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Hypospadias repair - discharge

When Your Child Was in the Hospital

Your child had hypospadias repair to fix a birth defect in which the urethra does not end at the tip of the penis. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The type of repair that was done depends on how severe the birth defect was. This may be the first surgery for this problem or it may be a follow-up procedure.

Your child received general anesthesia before surgery to make him unconscious and unable to feel pain.

What to Expect at Home

Your child may feel sleepy when first at home. He may not feel like eating or drinking. He may also feel sick to his stomach or throw up the same day he had surgery.

Your child's penis will be swollen and bruised. This will get better after a few weeks. Full healing will take up to 6 weeks.

Your child may need a urinary catheter for 5 to 14 days after the surgery.

If your child has a catheter, he may have bladder spasms. These may hurt, but they are not harmful. If a catheter has not been put in, urinating may be uncomfortable the first day or two after surgery.

Your child's provider may prescribe some medicines:

Taking Care of Your Child

Your child may eat a normal diet. Make sure he drinks plenty of fluids. Fluids help keep the urine clean.

A dressing with a clear plastic covering will be wrapped around the penis.

Some oozing from the penis is normal. You may see some spotting on the dressings, diaper, or underpants. If your child is still in diapers, ask your provider about how to use two diapers instead of one.

Do not use powders or ointments anywhere in the area before asking your child's provider if it is OK.

Your child's provider will probably ask you to take off the dressing after 2 or 3 days and leave it off. You may do this during a bath. Be very careful not to pull on the urinary catheter. You will need to change the dressing before this if:

Infants may do most of their normal activities except for swimming or playing in a sandbox. It is fine to take your baby for walks in the stroller.

Older boys should avoid contact sports, riding bicycles, straddling any toys, or wrestling for 3 weeks. It is a good idea to keep your child home from preschool or daycare the first week after his surgery.

When to Call the Doctor

Contact the provider if your child has:

Also contact the provider if:

Related Information

Hypospadias repair
Kidney removal
Hypospadias

References

Long CJ, Zaonta MR, Canning DA. Hypospadias. In: Partin AW, Dmochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 45.

Thomas JC, Brock JW. Repair of proximal hypospadias. In: Smith JA, Howards SS, Preminger GM, Dmochowski RR, eds. Hinman's Atlas of Urologic Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 130.

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Review Date: 1/1/2023  

Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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