Hypospadias is a birth condition in which the urine opening is on the underside of the penis. Surgery (urethroplasty) is the standard treatment. Surgeons sometimes leave a small tube ("stent") inside the new urine passage after surgery, but it is unclear whether using a stent affects the risk of a common complication called a urethrocutaneous fistula (a small leak from the new urethra to the skin). This study will compare two routine surgical approaches for boys 1-12 years old with distal or mid-penile hypospadias who need urethroplasty: (1) surgery with a temporary stent and (2) surgery without a stent. Children will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. All surgeries will be performed by a consultant pediatric surgeon using a standardized technique, and all children will receive usual postoperative care. Families will return for follow-up at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery. At these visits, the team will check for fistula using a simple saline test and record any other concerns. We aim to learn which approach leads to fewer complications, less discomfort, and fewer additional procedures for children undergoing hypospadias repair.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Incidence of Urethrocutaneous Fistula at 12 Weeks After Urethroplasty
Timeframe: twelve weeks post operation