epispadias
Pronunciation: ep-ih-SPAY-dee-as
A rare congenital condition where the urethral opening is located on the upper side of the penis or above the clitoris.
Full Definition
Epispadias is a congenital anomaly affecting the position of the urethral meatus (opening). In males, the opening appears on the dorsal (upper) surface of the penis rather than at the tip, while in females, it appears above the clitoris. This condition may occur independently or as part of a more complex condition called exstrophy-epispadias complex. Surgical correction is typically required to restore normal anatomy and function, and early diagnosis is important for optimal outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Often confused with hypospadias; epispadias affects the upper surface, hypospadias affects the lower surface.
In Context
- "The male infant was diagnosed with epispadias requiring surgical reconstruction." — Neonatal assessment
- "Prenatal ultrasound suggested possible epispadias in the male fetus." — Ultrasound report