Best Hypospadias Doctors in Kolkata

Hypospadias is a congenital birth defect that affects the development of the urethra in male infants. The urethra, a tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, usually opens at the tip of the penis. However, in cases of hypospadias, this opening is found on the underside of the penis, and in severe cases, it can be located on the scrotum. A combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors is believed to contribute to the incidence of hypospadias. This condition is more commonly observed in infants with a family history of hypospadias. Hormonal changes that stimulate the formation of the urethra and foreskin during foetal development can lead to hypospadias. Factors that may predispose an individual to this condition include obesity, advanced age during pregnancy, use of fertility treatments, and exposure to certain substances during gestation.

Residents of Kolkata can rest assured that the city offers an array of well-equipped hospitals and highly trained doctors for hypospadias treatment. Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata is renowned for its advanced medical facilities and a team of doctors for hypospadias who primarily diagnose the condition through a physical examination which helps determine the type and severity of the condition, guiding the appropriate treatment course.

Types/Stages of Hypospadias

There are different types of hypospadias, classified based on the location of the urethral opening:

• Glanular or Subcoronal hypospadias: This is the mildest form of hypospadias where the urethral opening develops near the head (glans) of the penis.

• Distal or Midshaft hypospadias: The urethral opening develops along the shaft of the penis, anywhere between the glans and the middle of the penile shaft.

• Proximal or Penoscrotal hypospadias: The most severe form where the urethral opening develops between the base of the penile shaft and the scrotum.

Symptoms of Hypospadias

Some common symptoms of hypospadias include:

• The opening of the urethra is found on the underside of the penis or, in severe cases, on the scrotum, instead of at the tip of the penis.

• There may be abnormal spraying or direction of the urine stream during urination.

• There might be a downward curvature or bending of the penis, known as chordee.

• In some cases, there might be incomplete development of the foreskin, resulting in a "hooded" appearance of the penis.

Tests to Diagnose Hypospadias

Hypospadias is typically diagnosed by skilled doctors for hypospadias treatment through the following tests:

• Physical Examination: The doctor examines the penis for the abnormal location of the urethral opening, curvature (chordee) of the penis, and the appearance of the foreskin.

• Urinalysis: A urinalysis may be performed to check for any urinary tract issues or abnormalities. It assesses kidney function and overall urinary health.

• Ultrasound: An ultrasound may be used to evaluate the internal structures of the urinary tract and the penis helping to determine the extent and severity of the malformation, including the length and position of the urethra.

• Blood tests: Blood tests may be conducted to rule out any hormonal abnormalities or genetic factors that could be associated with hypospadias.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Hypospadias at Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata

At Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata, the best doctors for hypospadias treatment offer comprehensive treatment options for hypospadias. These include:

• Surgical Repair: This procedure is usually performed between 6 and 12 months of age and aims to reposition the urethral opening to the tip of the penis (glans), correct any curvature (chordee), and reconstruct the foreskin.

• Primary Tubularisation: This involves extending the urethra to the tip of the penis (glans) to create a functional urethral tube.

• Flap or Graft Procedures: This procedure uses skin or tissue from other areas of the penis to reconstruct the urethra.

• Adjuvant Hormonal Therapy: To promote penile growth and optimise surgical outcomes, pre-operative hormonal therapy with testosterone or human chorionic gonadotropin injections may be recommended.