Social and sexual adjustment of men operated for hypospadias during childhood: a controlled study

Outcomes Assessment of Hypospadias Repair

INTRODUCTION

Hypospadias is a congenital malformation, which involves the displacement of the urethral orifice on the underside of the penis. The mainstay treatment of hypospadias is surgery. Currently, there is no literature broadly assessing hypospadias repair outcomes in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This study aims to provide descriptive data on cosmetic, functional, and surgical outcomes of hypospadias repair at a single medical institute in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

METHOD

Data on patients who underwent hypospadias repair from January 2012 to December 2020 by a single surgeon were reviewed. Parents of patients were contacted via telephone for consent. All consenting participants returned for an outpatient assessment of functional and cosmetic outcomes using an original questionnaire and the Pediatric Penile Perception Score, respectively. All responses were recorded using a four-point Likert scale. Surgical outcomes were assessed by reviewing postoperative notes. All collected data were anonymized. The study was approved by the King Hamad University Hospital institutional review board.

RESULTS

Of the 29 patients who underwent surgical repair for hypospadias, 15 patients consented to participate. The mean age of the study population was 2.466 (SD = 0.496). Both parent and physician cosmetic assessments had similar results with the majority of participants very satisfied with all cosmetic parameters. Physician assessment reported higher satisfaction compared to parents. There were no reported cases of poor satisfaction. In terms of functional outcomes, there were no reported cases of straining on initiation, and a smooth and continuous urinary stream was reported in 80%. Only four patients reported post-void dribbling. When assessing surgical outcomes, 53.30% had coronally located urethra with no cases of postoperative complications. More than half of our patients were discharged after one day.

CONCLUSION

Our study noted overall high satisfaction in terms of surgical, cosmetic, and functional outcomes. Physicians reported better cosmetic outcomes when compared to parents. Further analysis with a larger sample size across various medical institutes will be required to better assess post-repair outcomes.

Sexual functions and fertility outcomes after hypospadias repair

Hypospadias is a common abnormality of the urogenital tract with a wide range of variety in its presentation and severity. The primary aim to correct hypospadias is to restore normal penile function and appearance. Although it can be corrected at any age, early correction between the 6 and 18 months of life is recommended. The functional and cosmetic outcomes have been very-well presented in the literature, although the aspects of sexuality and fertility of hypospadias repair in the long term are vague. In this narrative review, we aimed to gather the data around the sexuality and fertility outcomes of hypospadias repair and acknowledge urologists and parents of boys with hypospadias who will have a correction surgery about future sexual and fertility concerns.

Psychosocial outcomes in adult men born with hypospadias: A register-based study

In this nationwide matched cohort study, we have investigated whether being born with hypospadias affect subsequent psychosocial outcomes in adulthood. We analyzed prospectively collected data from national Swedish registers. Data on the diagnoses were collected from the National Patient Register and the Medical Birth Register. Data on psychosocial outcomes such as educational and income level, marital status and disability pension were collected from Statistics Sweden. The effects of covariates, such as age, county of birth, presence of other malformations and psychiatric illness, were taken into account. The associations between hypospadias and psychosocial outcomes were calculated using conditional logistic regression and expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We included 4378 men diagnosed with hypospadias, born between 1969 and 1993 in Sweden. Patients with hypospadias were matched with unaffected men by year of birth and birth county. We did not detect any differences in educational or income level. The probability of entering marriage (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.90-1.14) did not differ, regardless of phenotype. We did, however, detect a 40% increased probability of receiving a disability pension, (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.20-1.61). In conclusion, men born with hypospadias in Sweden do not differ from unaffected men with respect to the majority of psychosocial outcomes studied. They are, however, at increased risk of receiving a disability pension, which motivates further investigations.

Psychosocial outcome in adult men born with hypospadias

INTRODUCTION

Hypospadias, which is a surgically treated congenital malformation of the male urethra, may have a negative impact on quality of life. This aspect has previously been subject to limited research. This study examined the long-term psychosocial outcome of a large cohort of adult males born with hypospadias.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this case-control study was to assess a possible negative influence on the psychosocial outcome in adult males with hypospadias.

STUDY DESIGN

Males with hypospadias treated in Sweden and aged ≥18 years old participated in this follow-up study. Age-matched men and university students were recruited as controls. The participants answered a questionnaire designed to reflect the subjective quality of life, social factors, need of support and follow-up, and the perceived impact of the disease upon upbringing. It also looked at the validated Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) questionnaire and Relationship Questionnaire (RQ).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 167 patients (median age 34 years, 63% distal, 24% mid, and 13% proximal hypospadias) and 169 controls (median age 33 years) participated in the study. Patients had their first operation at 4 years of age (median) and the median follow-up time was 29 years following the first surgery. Men with hypospadias had a comparable total quality of life level with a mean total PGWB score of 82 (normal range 78-83) compared with 85.6 in controls. Scores on wellbeing and vitality were lower, even if the differences were small. Hypospadias did not affect marital status, presence of children in the family, frequency of employment or experience of bullying. These men more often lived at home with their parents (P=0.001) and had a lower level of education (P=0.004), even if the educational level in both patients and controls was high compared with the general Swedish population. Patients with proximal hypospadias were shorter compared with controls (P=0.003), which was consistent with the prenatal growth restriction associated with hypospadias. The group with proximal hypospadias expressed a greater need for medical (45.5%) follow-up compared with mid (28.2%) and distal (18.1%) cases (P=0.001). Patients with proximal hypospadias tended to avoid close relationships because of fear of being hurt.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggested that patients treated for hypospadias have a good HRQoL, can be expected to have a normal psychosocial life, and marry and have children. Repeated follow-up and psychological support during childhood/adolescence is however of great importance for patients with more proximal hypospadias.

Modified Penile Augmentation by Dermal-Fat Graft in Post-Hypospadias Adults

BACKGROUND

Although a considerable part of patients desire further improvement in penile size after hypospadias repairs, penile augmentation is only considered in patients with congenital penile hypoplasia or acquired penile retraction. Modified penile augmentation by free dermal-fat graft is introduced to satisfy these patients and improve surgical safety.

METHODS

From April 2012 to December 2014, a total of 15 male adults after hypospadias repairs, aged 18-24 years, underwent modified penile augmentation which involved girth enhancement by a free dermal-fat graft and penile elongation (suprapubic skin advancement-ligamentolysis). A specially designed tunneling instrument was introduced to facilitate pericavernous thickening without degloving. Outcome evaluation was mainly based on objective penile measurements and results of the Male Genital Image Scale.

RESULTS

With 6 months' follow-up, all patients had achieved excellent cosmetic results, with a significant average dimensional increase of 1.53 ± 0.23 cm in flaccid girth and 1.67 ± 0.24 cm in flaccid length. No erection deficiencies or urinary fistula occurred. Patients' perception of male genitalia improved postoperatively, with the average MGIS score rising from 31.73 ± 4.86 to 40.20 ± 4.54.

CONCLUSIONS

This modified technique is safe and effective in enlarging penile size. The use of the specially designed tunneling instrument simplifies penile girth enhancement, avoiding unnecessary trauma to the neo-urethra and neurovascular bundle. It is confirmed that physical dimensional enhancement does contribute to improving their underestimation of penile size.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

A comparative bibliometric analysis of the top 150 cited papers in hypospadiology (1945-2013)

INTRODUCTION

Hypospadias, the most common congenital malformation of the penis, is characterized by an abnormal ventral opening of the urethral meatus, abnormal ventral curvature of the penis, and an abnormal distribution of the foreskin around the glans, with a ventrally-deficient hooded foreskin, and has been described in modern peer-reviewed literature since Noble's description in 1853. A dramatic increase in the literature on hypospadiology has focused on two main topics: The aetiology of the condition including molecular mechanisms and environmental influences, as well as surgical techniques to repair the defect, however there have been a number of facets of research stemming from this poorly understood condition in a developing subspecialty (Figure). The majority of these publications focus on the evolution of surgical technique and management. Urethral reconstruction should offer the ability to stand to urinate and combine a satisfactory cosmetic result. The tubularized incised plate repair, popularized by Snodgrass et al., and the Mathieu repair, have been the mainstay for distal hypospadias, however, there have still been a large number of well-described techniques, with no consensus as to the ideal method of repair, some of which is attributed to non-uniform standards of reporting outcomes. There is also no standard objective means to qualitatively assess the importance of each of these contributions.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the top 150 peer-reviewed articles in the field of hypospadiology by way of citation analysis as a means to determine the importance/relevance of each contribution throughout 8 decades of research.

STUDY DESIGN

A cited reference search was carried out for indexed citations within Web of Science™ Core Collection. The top 150 indexed cited articles containing the topic "hypospadias" in specific subject categories were compiled using a component of Science Citation Index command. References were then evaluated, and analysed across a number of indices, and over time.

RESULTS

The mean number of citations was 76 for each article. The top 150 articles were published across 21 countries, with the majority originating from the USA. The lead research institution was the University of Texas (Southwestern) Medical Center. In total, the top 3 centers represented 33 publications within the top 150 citations. The most commonly utilized journal was the Journal of Urology. The most cited author was W.T. Snodgrass. 39% papers in the top 150 cited articles were published prior to 1990. Three out of the five papers cited in the 1940s dealt with operative technique to repair hypospadias. The period 2000-2010 in contrast, demonstrated a significant inverse correlation between molecular biology citations, and those for operative techniques, with the incidence of the latter dropping to 6% of all cited papers.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study of its kind to analyse the most influential articles in hypospadiology, and their characteristics assessed for authorship, content and impact factor. Furthermore it allows data analysis by topic and between time points. This not only de-clutters the wealth of accumulated data on this subject, but also provides an important adjunct to education and training. As with this study, other citation analytical studies in urology found a significant preponderance in cited studies originating from the USA. The prevalence of the US in cited papers doesn't reflect any inherent bias, just a greater number of publications.

CONCLUSION

Although there are inherent potential elements of bias in citation analysis, this study demonstrates that citation analysis in a complicated topic can provide a high-throughput, uncomplicated method of quickly deciphering important contributions of authors and institutions to the field of hypospadias research.

Investigation of gender role behaviors in boys with hypospadias: comparative study with unaffected boys and girls

The purpose of the study was (1) to investigate gender role behaviors of boys with hypospadias compared with groups of unaffected boys and girls using parental reports and direct observations; and (2) to directly observe effects of socialization (mothers' presence) on children's gender role behaviors. Ages of 19 children with hypospadias ranged from 3 to 7 years, and each of them were matched to controls of unaffected boys and girls by age. All the children participated with their mothers. Children's gender role behaviors and their mothers' behaviors were evaluated using an observation coding system. Mothers also completed questionnaires regarding their children's gender role behaviors. Results indicated no atypical gender role behavior for the boys with hypospadias and no direct effects of socialization on their gender role behaviors. However, differences were found in negative communicative behaviors between boys with hypospadias and unaffected boys, suggesting a possible role of socialization.

Foreskin retractility following hypospadias repair with preputioplasty--medium term outcomes

AIM

To assess the medium term outcome of hypospadias repair and preputioplasty with regard to foreskin retractility, and whether this could be predicted by assessing retractility at the end of the operation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database regarding patients who had hypospadias repair with preputioplasty between January 2003 and June 2010. The foreskin retractility at the end of the operation was documented in the operation notes, and the latest foreskin status was obtained from clinical notes or by contacting parents.

RESULTS

The total number was 207, and 170 (82.1%) had distal hypospadias. At the latest follow up at a median of 2 years and 3 months after the date of operation (range 13 months to 4 years 7 months), 159 boys (76.8%) had a retractile foreskin, 27 (13%) were under observation for a tight foreskin, and 8 (3.9%) had undergone circumcision due to tightness. The foreskin was retractile at the end of the operation in 154 (73.3%) patients. Of these, 130 (84%) had a retractile foreskin at the later follow-up clinic. Of the 49 patients who had a non-retractile foreskin at the end of the operation, 29 went on to have a retractile foreskin, while 20 had a tight foreskin. Fisher's exact test showed that foreskin retractility at the end of the operation has a significant relation to foreskin retractility in the medium term, and that patients with distal hypospadias have a greater probability of achieving a retractile foreskin.

CONCLUSION

A primarily retractile foreskin can be achieved in over 75% with less than 4% requiring a circumcision due to tightness. Distal location of hypospadias and retractility at the end of operation predicted success.

Penile length is comparable in boys with and without hypospadias

INTRODUCTION

It has been suggested that penile length is negatively correlated to the degree of hypospadias; however, there are no studies in the literature actually comparing penile length in normal patients and patients with hypospadias.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Between January and May 2011, we measured penile length in two groups of children aged up to 5 years. The first group comprised all boys admitted for hypospadias (40 patients; 25 distal and 15 proximal hypospadias). The control group comprised 100 boys seen for other surgical procedures excluding those with endocrine disorders. We measured the length of the dorsal aspect of the penis in the flaccid state, without stretching. We then established, using our control group, a range of 'normal' values for penile length in our population and determined whether children with hypospadias were within this 'normal' range.

RESULTS

Mean penile length in the control group was 4.07 ± 0.92 cm, mean penile length in the hypospadias group was 4.36 ± 0.9 cm (4.48 ± 0.89 cm for distal hypospadias and 4.21 ± 0.79 cm for proximal hypospadias). There was no difference in penile length between the hypospadias group and the control group regardless of degree of hypospadias.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that penile length in children with hypospadias whether proximal or distal is within the normal range.

Factors associated with delayed pediatric hypospadias surgery in Taiwan: a population-based, nationwide analysis

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Current guidelines recommend that hypospadias repair should be performed before age 18 months. This study aims to investigate the trends of surgical timing and to determine what factors are associated with age at surgery.

METHODS

The present study utilized a subset of the National Health Insurance Research Database, known as Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2005, which contains the data of all paid medical benefit claims over the period from 1997 to 2007 for a subset of one million beneficiaries randomly drawn from the population of 22.72 million individuals in NHI program during any part of calendar year 2005. We analyzed claims data for all subjects with the diagnoses of hypospadias.

RESULTS

Among 52,705 live male newborns, 218 were diagnosed with hypospadias and thus were included as subjects in our study. Among them, 89 received repair surgery. Approximately 60.6% of the study subjects received repair after the age of 18 months. Multivariate analysis showed that several factors were significantly associated with age at hypospadias surgery: specialty of clinics where first diagnosis was made; specialty of physician making the first diagnosis, age of physician making the first diagnosis; specialty of surgeon performing the surgery; number of years since surgeon's board certification; urbanization level of subject's residence; modality of surgery; concomitant cryptorchidism; concomitant prematurity and low birth weight; age at diagnosis; and number of well-baby clinic visits.

CONCLUSION

This study addresses an important issue of delayed hypospadias surgery in Taiwan, which provides a potential opportunity for improvement in quality of care.

The psychosexual aspects of hypospadias repair: A review

OBJECTIVE

To review the psychosexual effects on men after hypospadias repair.

METHODS

We reviewed all English-language publications in the MEDLINE database from the US National Library of Medicine with the search terms 'hypospadias adult', 'psychosexual hypospadias', 'psychosocial hypospadias', and 'social hypospadias'. Each term returned 1036, 35, 19 and 68 results, respectively, which were reviewed.

RESULTS

While improvements in surgical techniques have improved function, the abnormality and repair still causes a disruption in perceived quality of life for many men. After repair, many men suffer from a negative view of their genitals and some degree of sexual inhibition. However, they still maintain a satisfactory sex life.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosexual effects of hypospadias repair they endure in adulthood, although affected men maintain satisfaction with their sexual life.

Effect of hypospadias on sexual function and reproduction

Hypospadias is a highly prevalent congenital anomaly. The impact of the defect and operative interventions on sexual and reproductive function has been addressed by few publications. It is essential to know the possible outcomes of intervention for appropriate counseling, operative planning, and follow-up. English articles indexed in Pubmed dealing with the long-term sexual and reproductive outcome following hypospadias repair from 1965 to 2007 were reviewed. To our knowledge, there was no prospective trial comparing the impact of various techniques on sexual outcome. There is considerable discordance in literature regarding the effects on sexual function. A few publications report patient and partner dissatisfaction with the appearance of genitalia. Sexual dissatisfaction is often attributed to penile size. Ejaculatory disturbances range between 6 and 37% of operated individuals. There is no convincing evidence for impaired fertility. The long-term follow-up is essential to identify problems and to address them appropriately. Literature documenting the outcome of specific operative procedures and analysis based on severity of hypospadias will be informative. The long-term follow-up of the newer techniques which are more commonly used are awaited.

Long-term functional outcome and satisfaction of patients with hypospadias repaired in childhood

INTRODUCTION

Potential long-term sequelae of hypospadias and its surgical correction include difficulties in voiding, sexual function, psychosexual adjustment and self-appraisal. These difficulties often evolve long after surgical repair as children grow to adulthood. Despite this, patient-driven data on long-term functional outcomes and satisfaction are limited, leaving the true success of hypospadias surgery essentially unknown. The aim of this study was to address these deficiencies.

METHODS

We conducted a chart review for all patients operated on by a single urologist from 1981 to 1988. Extensive efforts were made to obtain accurate current address information for patients. A database of patient demographics and pathology, operative details and complications was created. A 22-item questionnaire was mailed to study subjects. Telephone follow-up by an independent research nurse bolstered response rates. Responses from returned questionnaires were pooled and analyzed.

RESULTS

The chart review included 115 patients. Of 100 patients (with address information) who were sent questionnaires, 28 ultimately responded. The chart review group was comparable to groups in other published studies. Despite a slightly higher initial major complication rate (57.2%), respondents reported few long-term complications (11% fistula, 29% persistent chordee and 10% stricture) and excellent urinary and sexual functional results. The most common functional complaints were spraying and hesitancy during micturition. Overall, 86% of patients were satisfied with their surgical result, and 52% wished they had been provided longer follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Long-term outcomes data are critical to an honest account of success rates for hypospadias surgery. Obtaining these data remains challenging. In this series, despite high initial complication rates, most patients reported excellent long-term functional results and were quite satisfied with their overall outcome.

Online hypospadias support group data analysis

BACKGROUND

Although hypospadias is the most common malformation of the penis, this condition is virtually unknown to the general population. This lack of information may lead to psychological distress to both parents and patients. In this study the content of an Internet-based hypospadias support group is analyzed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All comments and postings made by members of an online support group between 2001 and 2008 were analyzed. No personalized data were used for evaluation.

RESULTS

At the end of 2008, the group consisted of 535 members. In the study period, 3050 postings were published. Major issues discussed in the group were (a) medical questions, exchange of medical knowledge, experience, and history; (b) psychological, ethical, and philosophical aspects; (c) practical questions and recommendations; (d) recommendations for surgeons; and (e) hypospadias in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Online hypospadias support groups play an important role in how parents and patients cope with the condition. Surgeons dealing with hypospadias should be aware of the importance of Internet-based information in the field of hypospadias. They may benefit from the valuable feedback information from patients and parents to improve their practice and outcome.

Psychosexual adjustment and age factors in 130 men undergone hypospadias surgery in a Chinese hospital

The study investigated the psychosexual status and sexual function in adults who had hypospadias surgery at different ages. A detailed questionnaire was mailed to 130 patients who underwent hypospadias surgery between January 1988 and December 2007, and 50 healthy males who served as the control group. The patients were divided into three groups based on their age at which surgery was completed: group A (n=32; <10 years); group B (n=45; 10-18 years); and group C (n=53; >18 years). The Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to assess psychosexual status; a designed questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 were used to assess sexual function. The incidence of anxiety and depression was significantly higher in patients than that in controls (P < 0.001), and was correlated with the age at which surgery was completed. The length and circumference of penises in patients were shorter than those of control groups with statistically significant differences (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between patients and controls regarding libido strength, overall sexual satisfaction and erectile function (P > 0.05). In conclusion, difference existed in certain aspects of psychosexual and penile development between patients and controls. Hypospadias surgery should be performed early.

Long-term outcome of penile appearance and sexual function after hypospadias repairs: situation and relation

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term cosmetic and sexual outcomes of hypospadias surgery performed in childhood and to analyze the relation between them.

METHODS

A long-term follow-up was made to 174 patients who were operated for hypospadias in this institute between 1984 and 1992. Their records were analyzed retrospectively, and a detailed questionnaire was mailed to them. Responses from returned questionnaires were pooled and analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-three (24.7%) of 174 patients finished the questionnaire. The mean patient age of the 43 patients was 21.6 years. Twenty-three (53.5%) of 43 patients were dissatisfied with penile appearance. The main reason for dissatisfaction was smaller penile size and curvature. Thirty-six (83.7%) of 43 patients were satisfied with overall sexual function. Of these 43 patients, 76.7% reported good quality of erection, but 23.3% reported the existence of problems during erection. The main complaint was smaller penile size and curvature. There were 17 patients (39.5%) with ejaculation problems, mainly including impotent ejaculation. Sixteen (88.9%) of the 18 patients who had experienced sexual intercourse reported no problems during intercourse. Depending on the severity of hypospadias, these patients with proximal hypospadias were more dissatisfied with penile appearance than those with distal hypospadias (76.5 vs. 38.5%, P < 0.025). And they complained more problems during erection (41.2 vs. 11.5%, P < 0.05), ejaculation (100 vs. 0%), and sexual intercourse (50 vs. 0%, P < 0.05), and were less likely to experience sexual intercourse (23.5 vs. 53.8%, P < 0.05), compared to those with distal hypospadias. Depending on their self-evaluation on penile appearance, these patients who were satisfied with penile appearance had less problems in achieving erection (5.0 vs. 39.1%, P < 0.025) and ejaculation (20 vs. 56.5%, P < 0.025) and were more likely to experience sexual intercourse (60 vs. 26.1%, P < 0.05), compared to those who were dissatisfied. The self-rated satisfaction scale correlates positively with the penile appearance and sexual function (r = 0.469, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who had been operated for hypospadias have a significantly careful concern on penile appearance. Penile size can obviously impact satisfaction with penile appearance and sexual function. Some patients have erection, ejaculation, and intercourse problems in adulthood, but majority have a rather normal sexual function. The more severe the hypospadias, the more dissatisfactory the long-term outcome. Better cosmetic outcome is related to better sexual outcome. Although remaining challenging, it is necessary to follow up hypospadias patients after surgeries into adulthood.

Long-term sexual activity status and influencing factors in men after surgery for hypospadias

The aim of this study was to compare the long-term postoperative status of hypospadiac patients by analysing their sexual psychology, sexual behaviour, sexual function and influencing factors. A total of 130 hypospadiac patients hospitalized between January 1988 and December 2007 were followed up with questionnaires using Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), a self-designed sexual function questionnaire and a 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). The surveys served to evaluate the effects of hypospadias type, number of operations and surgical procedures on sexual psychology, sexual behaviour and sexual function. The control group consisted of 50 healthy adults. The postoperative SDS / SAS scores and occurrences of depression/anxiety in hypospadiac patients were significantly higher than those of normal controls (P < 0.001). Patients with proximal hypospadias and multiple procedures differed from those with distal hypospadias and a single procedure in all parameters of sexual psychology (P < 0.05). The average penile lengths and circumferences of hypospadiac patients under either erect or flaccid conditions were significantly shorter than those of normal controls (P < 0.001). A similar difference existed between patients with distal and proximal hypospadias (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in any parameter of sexual function between patients with different numbers of operations and surgical procedures. Hypospadiac patients were clearly impaired in sexual psychology and penile development. The severity of hypospadias and number of operations were key factors that influenced the sexual psychology of patients. This finding indicated the importance of long-term follow-up and psychological counselling for hypospadiac patients postoperatively.

[The psychosocial/-sexual development of boys with hypospadias]

Boys with hypospadias can suffer from specific psychological stress as a result of genital surgery and a cosmetically and/or functionally impaired penis. During recent decades intensive efforts have been made to improve the surgical techniques; yet the psychosocial and psychosexual development of children and adolescents after hypospadias surgery has only rarely been investigated. While the results of the few studies are altogether very contradictory, they also indicate that hypospadias patients suffer from specific problems like a negative perception of genital appearance. Therefore, they should be offered long-term follow-ups and psychosocial support until they reach young adulthood. For future research, it is necessary to systematically investigate the boys' quality of life and development in methodologically sound studies.

Factors affecting the outcome of foreskin reconstruction in hypospadias surgery

OBJECTIVE

Despite ongoing refinement of numerous techniques, the incidence of complications following hypospadias repair is still significant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors that affect the success in childhood of foreskin reconstruction with hypospadias repair.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out of all primary hypospadias repairs with foreskin reconstruction (n=408) over the last 23 years. The hypospadias was coronal in 160 (39%), glanular in 114 (28%), subcoronal in 78 (19%) and distal penile in 56 (14%) cases. Foreskin reconstruction was included in 362 cases suitable for a meatal advancement (191) or distal urethral tubularization (171), and 46 cases for a flip-flap procedure (37 Mathieu, nine Barcat). Outcome analysis was of foreskin-related complications post surgery.

RESULTS

Foreskin repair was successful in 333 cases (92%) that underwent meatal advancement/distal urethral tubularization, and 33 (72%) that underwent a flip-flap operation. Complications related to the foreskin occurred in 10% of the whole group with a urethral fistula rate of 8%. The median age at surgery was 13 months (2-120 months), and the median follow-up period was 11 months (1-100 months).

CONCLUSIONS

A good cosmetic and functional outcome can be achieved with foreskin reconstruction combined with a variety of hypospadias repairs. The outcome in this series was better in cases of distal hypospadias using interrupted polyglactin sutures.

Long-Term Cosmetic and Sexual Outcome of Hypospadias Surgery: Norm Related Study in Adolescence

PURPOSE

Even if performed early in life, hypospadias surgery may have a significant impact on self-esteem and sexual behavior in adolescence. We evaluated the long-term cosmetic and sexual outcomes of hypospadias surgery performed in childhood.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A detailed questionnaire was mailed to 33 patients with hypospadias who were 18 to 26 years old and had undergone the first operation at age 6 years or younger. It was also mailed to 50 age matched controls.

RESULTS

A total of 22 patients (66.7%) and 38 controls (76.0%) returned the questionnaire. Mean age in the hypospadias and control groups was 20.6 and 21.0 years, respectively. Eight of the 22 patients had mild hypospadias and 11 had severe hypospadias. Severity was unknown in 3 patients. Age at the first and final operations was 31 to 75 (mean 46) and 35 to 81 months (mean 53). The number of operation was 1 in 10 patients, 2 in 10 and 3 in 2. The rate of dissatisfaction with penile appearance was slightly higher in the hypospadias group than in the control group (40.9% vs 34.2%). The single reason for dissatisfaction in the hypospadias group was inadequate penile size, whereas in the control group penile size, phimosis and curvature were the major reasons for dissatisfaction (69.2%, 46.2% and 23.1%, respectively). Experience with masturbation (100% and 97.4%) and sexual intercourse (52.4% and 55.3%), and mean age at first masturbation (13.4 and 13.0 years) and first sexual intercourse (16.6 and 17.3 years) were similar in the hypospadias and control groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients with hypospadias had a slightly higher rate of dissatisfaction with penile size, their sexual behavior was not different from that in control subjects.

Sexual behavior and sexual function of adults after hypospadias surgery: a comparative study

PURPOSE

We assessed sexual behavior and sexual function in adults operated on for hypospadias.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Long-term psychosexual adjustment was assessed with a standardized questionnaire which was mailed to 57 patients with hypospadias older than 18 years and 60 age matched normal control subjects.

RESULTS

A total of 37 patients with hypospadias and 39 controls participated. Self-reported strength of libido on a scale of 1 to 5 was shown to be similar in the 2 groups. Patients with hypospadias did not have problems in achieving erection and average self-rated quality of erection ranging from 1 to 5 was the same as that of controls (mean value 4.5). Patients with hypospadias noted curvature in a downward direction in a significantly higher proportion compared to controls (40% vs 18%, respectively). There were 13 patients with hypospadias who had ejaculation difficulties, of whom 6 had spraying and 7 had only dribbling of ejaculate. Patients with hypospadias masturbated significantly less often, were significantly less sexually active and had a smaller total number of sexual partners compared to control subjects. Control subjects were significantly more completely satisfied with their sexual life compared to patients with hypospadias (76.92% vs 51.35%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual function of patients who underwent surgery for hypospadias in general is not affected. However, there is clearly a difference in certain aspects of sexual behavior between patients with hypospadias and controls. Followup and adequate counselling of patients who underwent surgery for hypospadias in adult life is necessary.

Sexual development in patients treated for cryptorchidism

An analysis of sexual development was carried out in adult patients treated in childhood for cryptorchidism. Forty-seven healthy men served as a control group. The cryptorchid patients had been treated between the ages of 10 months to 13 years and their ages ranged from 16 to 30 years at follow-up. The onset of puberty, and sexual development, were within normal limits in all patients, although spermarche occurred somewhat later in the patients than in the controls. In addition, the patients were on average slightly less sexually active than the controls. Neither age at the time of treatment nor the method of treatment correlated with current sexual activity. The patients with larger testes were, however, sexually more active. Both treatment age and the method of treatment, whether hormonal or surgical, should be selected on the basis of fertility prognosis.

Gender development in boys born with hypospadias

Fetal testicular androgens in several mammalian species are responsible for the sexual differentiation of both the genitalia and the brain, the latter effect being related to behavioral sex-dimorphisms. Because prenatal endocrine abnormalities can be inferred from genital defects, studies of individuals born with anomalies potentially elucidate the contribution of androgens to the development of gender-related variation in human behavior. This study concerns the gender-role behavior of middle childhood boys (ages 6-10 years; n = 175) born with hypospadias, an androgen-related genital anomaly. Parents completed standardized gender behavior questionnaires in a postal survey. Hypospadias subjects did not show consistent differences from a community control group (n = 333) in feminine behavior, but significant, small, increases in masculine behavior were found. Severity of the hypospadias was unrelated to gender-role behavior. A number of surgery-related hospitalizations, however, were correlated with increased gender-atypical behavior. It is concluded that the hypoandrogenization associated with hypospadias does not interfere with the development of gender-typical masculine behavior.

Hereditary renal cell carcinoma in the Eker rat: a rodent familial cancer syndrome

A rodent model of hereditary cancer in which a single gene mutation predisposes rats to bilateral multicentric renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is described. This rat hereditary cancer syndrome shares certain similarities with von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHLD). In addition to the early development of renal epithelial tumors with morphologic similarity to human RCC, rats which bear the RCC gene are predisposed to the development of secondary primary cancers later in life. Splenic vascular proliferative lesions, including hemangiosarcoma, were seen in 23% of 14-month-old rats of both sexes that had renal tumors. At fourteen months of age, 62% of female rats with renal cell tumors had sarcomas of the lower reproductive tract of probable smooth muscle origin. Non-carrier siblings of affected animals did not have renal, reproductive, or splenic neoplasia. The finding of a specific constellation of familial neoplasms, including multicentric bilateral renal cell carcinoma, in this autosomal dominant disorder of rats suggests that this syndrome is analogous to human VHLD. In addition to its usefulness for studies of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of renal carcinogenesis, this animal model will provide a unique tool to investigate how cancer susceptibility genes interact with environmental risk factors such as chemical carcinogens.

Familial renal cell carcinoma: hereditary or coincidental?

The familial clustering of some cancers may be related to genetic factors, shared carcinogenic exposure among relatives or chance association. In cases of familial renal cell carcinoma identifying those persons at risk for renal tumors is difficult. There have been 28 family aggregates of renal carcinoma reported since 1961 but an abnormality in the constitutional karyotype has been demonstrated in the members of only 1 of these families. Since 1980 we have identified 5 more families in which a total of 12 relatives had renal cell carcinoma. However, peripheral blood karyotypes obtained from the 7 patients and 5 unaffected relatives whom we studied showed no significant abnormalities. With current laboratory techniques it is not possible to differentiate reliably familial renal tumors occurring by chance from those hereditary tumors posing a threat to remaining relatives. Therefore, in families with multiple cases of renal cell carcinoma we recommend that screening be conducted as has been suggested for families with von Hippel-Lindau's disease, with an initial renal ultrasound for family members at age 30 years and repeat examinations every 2 to 3 years.

Infant testicular prostheses

Traditionally, the parents of young boys with an absent testis are advised to let the child decide whether he wants a testicular prosthesis after he enters puberty. Unfortunately, the decision by an adolescent to undergo prosthesis insertion often is made only after experiencing ridicule and embarrassment about the genital appearance. Accordingly, we have offered to implant an infant size prosthesis in patients with cryptorchidism when inguinal and abdominal exploration demonstrates that the testis is absent. A total of 41 boys less than 5 years old with an absent testis underwent simultaneous insertion of a testicular prosthesis. The only complication was a superficial wound infection that did not necessitate removal of the prosthesis. Two boys report mild scrotal discomfort. In long-term followup 91 per cent of the families rated the cosmetic appearance as "good" and 94 per cent were content with the decision regarding placement of a prosthesis. Although many assume that these boys will desire a larger prosthesis after puberty, this consideration seems to be irrelevant. Longer followup will be necessary to ascertain whether this approach alters the psychosexual development of these patients. We believe that young boys with an absent testis should be considered for simultaneous testicular prosthesis insertion at inguinal exploration or orchiectomy.

Psychosexual outcome of assigned females and males with 46,XX virilizing congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Seven genotypic female (46,XX) patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, four reared as girls and three reared as boys were evaluated at 16-26 years of age with psychological interviews and testing. A small penis in the three young men produced a practical and psychological barrier that severely injured their personality. In spite of some degree of pre-adolescent tomboyism and a somewhat injured body image, the girls adjusted to their feminine gender identity. It is concluded that in cases of both early and late diagnosis, the genotypic female sex should be preferred.

Current concepts in the management of common urologic problems in infants and children

Vesicoureteral reflux has the potential to cause irreversible renal damage if undiagnosed and untreated. It is important to have a high index of suspicion for the existence of a urinary tract infection in infants and children with any nonspecific generalized illness. Once a UTI is documented, appropriate antibiotic therapy must be started and continued until the urinary tract has been adequately evaluated radiographically. If vesicoureteral reflux is found to exist, appropriate medical or surgical therapy must be instituted to prevent further episodes of pyelonephritis.

Assessment of urinary stream after repair of anterior hypospadias by meatoplasty and glanuloplasty

Voiding function was studied after repair of anterior hypospadias in 44 boys using Duckett's technique of meatoplasty and glanuloplasty. Assessment of the urinary stream was done in 2 ways. At least 6 weeks postoperatively a uroflow measurement using a DISA rotating disk machine was done. Peak flow was compared to previously prepared normal values in a large group of normal boys. Then, a high speed picture of the stream was taken using electronic video photography at the time of peak flow. Of the boys 42 had normal flow rates and 40 had acceptable stream patterns. The only complication was meatal stenosis in 2 cases. There were no fistulas. Although the primary indication for correction of anterior hypospadias is cosmetic, it is essential that function not be sacrificed to achieve this end. This study indicates that voiding function is maintained after hypospadias repair with meatoplasty and glanuloplasty.

In situ management of renal tumors: renal cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma

In the last 8 years 15 patients with malignant neoplasms in functionally solitary kidneys underwent in situ excision of the tumor with preservation of renal parenchyma. Of 10 patients with renal cell carcinoma 8 underwent partial nephrectomy, 1 had a central wedge resection and 1 had enucleation of 3 tumors. After followup of 6 months to 4.7 years 6 patients are free of disease. One patient died of metastatic cancer and 1 of cardiovascular disease. Of 5 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney (including 2 with parenchymal invasion) 2 underwent partial nephrectomy and 3 underwent extensive resection of renal pelvic lesions. After followup of 6 months to 7 years 2 patients are alive, 2 died of metastatic disease and 1 died of metastatic bladder carcinoma. Only 1 of the 5 patients had locally recurrent tumor. These data demonstrate the efficacy of in situ management of renal tumors in selected patients with solitary kidneys or compromised renal function.

Penile malformation, gender identity and sexual orientation

Gender identity and sexual orientation were investigated in 34 men operated for hypospadias in childhood and in 36 matched control subjects. Independent psychiatric assessments from semi-structured interviews, and double-blind formalized psychological ratings from the Rorschach, yielded similar findings. The probands were less secure in their maleness but were similar in sexual orientation as compared to the controls. A third blind, independent measure of unconscious gender identity, the Franck Drawing Completion Test, gave further evidence of uncertain gender identity in the patients. A self-administered inventory, the Gough Femininity Scale, showed a tendency for the patients to take more feminine sex roles. The findings are discussed from psychoendocrinological as well as psycho-analytical view points. The need for early psychological preventive measures for hypospadic boys and their parents is stressed.

Androgens and personality in normal men and men operated for hypospadias in childhood

Serum levels of LH, FSH, prolactin and androgens were assayed in 33 adult men operated for a penile malformation (hypospadias) in childhood and in 34 matched controls. Two cases of severe hypospadias had signs of hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism. Three moderately severe cases possibly had a central relative androgen receptor insensitivity. Patients had lower levels of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone in serum, unrelated to the severity of the hypospadias. The hypospadias patients have previously been shown to be more neurotic and inhibited both socially and sexually than the controls, which might be related to defective androgenic functioning. Relations between androgen levels and psychological variables were studied. Low testosterone levels were related to higher hostility scores in Rorschach. Relations between androgens and other personality characteristics could not be shown.

Micturition studies and sexual function in operated hypospadiacs

Micturition patterns in 33 males, aged 15 to 34 years, were investigated after hypospadias repair in childhood. Spraying of the urinary stream was the most common complaint (13 patients). Urinary flow was low in five patients as compared with controls, but in only one of these patients was an obstruction found that required treatment. Five patients had persistent curvature of the penis. One of them was unable to perform sexual intercourse.