hypospadias
Pronunciation: hi-poh-SPAY-dee-as
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 boys, occurring in approximately 1 in 250 male births. The condition involves abnormal development of the penile urethra, resulting in a ventral urethral opening (meatus) and often associated with penile curvature (chordee) and incomplete foreskin development. Severity ranges from mild (subcoronal) to severe (perineal) forms. Surgical repair is typically performed between 6-18 months of age, with the goals of creating a straight penis with a terminal urethral meatus and normal cosmetic appearance. Associated genitourinary anomalies should be investigated.
Usage
Usage note: Classify by severity: glanular, subcoronal, midshaft, proximal, or perineal.
In Context
- "The newborn was diagnosed with distal hypospadias requiring surgical correction." — birth record
- "Severe hypospadias may be associated with disorders of sex development requiring chromosomal analysis." — clinical guideline