Management of complications after hypospadias repair

To review our experience with hypospadias complications (seen after 10%-15% of repairs) and to identify factors influencing outcome.

We reviewed the available medical records of 113 patients who underwent repeat operation for hypospadias complications. Of the 113 patients, 40% had undergone the initial repair at our institution (internal referral); 60% had undergone the initial repair elsewhere before referral (external referral). The variables potentially affecting outcome were reviewed, including the severity of the defect, concomitant disease, age at the initial operation and revisions, type of complications and treatment, and the number of revisions. Outcomes were compared on the basis of specialty and experience.

Isolated hypospadias was present in 81% and other genitourinary abnormalities in 10%. External referral patients were older at the first revision (7.3 versus 4.2 years, P = 0.027). Complications included fistula (73%), stricture (12%), breakdown of repair (10%), and diverticulum formation (11%). Successful revision was independent of the initial defect. The first, second, and third revision was successful in 77%, 64%, and 67% of patients, respectively. The cumulative success rate was 77%, 92%, and 97% after each respective repair attempt. The success of the repair was independent of the patient's age at the initial operation/revision and of the interval from the initial repair to reoperation. Internal referral and external referral patients had similar results. Specific experience with the repair of hypospadias complications correlated with a successful outcome (P <0.001).

Complications after hypospadias repairs are common, with fistula accounting for approximately 75%. The outcome in our series was independent of hypospadias severity, patient age at repair, number of revisions, stent use, and referral status. Repairs performed by an experienced pediatric urologist were associated with improved outcomes (P <0.001).