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Intermediate Technical In the Industry Vocabulary Test

hypospadias

Pronunciation: high-po-SPAY-dee-us

Congenital condition where the urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip.

Full Definition

Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital anomalies in males, characterized by ventral displacement of the urethral meatus. The condition is classified by severity based on meatal location: distal (coronal, subcoronal), middle (penile), or proximal (penoscrotal, scrotal). Surgical repair is typically performed between 6-18 months of age to restore normal anatomy and function. This diagnosis appears in urology consultations, surgical planning documents, and genetic counseling reports. The term's spelling and classification system require careful attention in medical editing.

Usage

Usage note: Note the 'spadias' ending. Distinguish from epispadias, where the opening is on the upper side of the penis.

In Context

  • "Physical examination revealed distal hypospadias with mild chordee." — Newborn examination
  • "Hypospadias repair using tubularized incised plate technique was successful." — Operative report

Also known as

ventral urethral meatus

Contrasted with

epispadias

Don't confuse with

epispadias phimosis

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