Ordu – Hypospadias Surgery Must Be Carefully Planned for the Child’s Future

Op. Dr. Haluk Yürür: “The health and psychological impacts of this congenital condition must be considered.”
Op. Dr. Haluk Yürür, Urology Specialist at Private Ordu Sevgi Hospital, issued important warnings regarding hypospadias, a condition observed at birth in male children. Emphasizing that this condition, also known as "prophet circumcision" among the public, should not be seen as merely a cosmetic difference, Dr. Yürür stated that it may affect both urinary function and sexual development in later years.

Hypospadias is a congenital condition in which the urinary channel (urethra) ends not at the tip of the penis, but at a point further back. In mild cases, the opening is slightly lower, whereas in severe forms it may extend as far as the scrotum.

“Surgical intervention is usually planned during infancy, between 6 and 18 months of age. This age range is when tissue healing capacity is highest and the risk of psychological trauma is lowest,” said Dr. Yürür, adding that the surgery is generally completed in a single session; however, corrective second operations may be required in advanced cases.

The topic of circumcision in children with hypospadias requires special attention. Since the urinary opening is not in its normal position, traditional circumcision cannot and should not be performed. The foreskin is preserved, as it is used as a tissue source during surgical repair. Therefore, circumcision in children diagnosed with hypospadias should only be performed under the supervision of urology specialists and with proper surgical planning.

Dr. Yürür emphasized that hypospadias surgery must be performed by surgeons experienced in pediatric urology, and stated that the postoperative process is just as important as the operation itself. “Protection of sutures, prevention of infection risk, and monitoring of the urinary catheter must be handled meticulously,” he said.

Dr. Yürür concluded with the following call to families:
“The location of the urinary opening can be identified through a careful physical examination after birth. Once identified, a urology specialist should be consulted without delay so that the necessary planning can be made early for the child's physical and psychological development.”