Question
Detailed medical condition and consultation purpose: What hospital should be visited for congenital genital hypospadias, and at what age is treatment most beneficial for the child?
Answer
Hypospadias is a congenital defect in the male urethra where the urethral opening is abnormally positioned along the line connecting the normal urethral opening to the perineum, with most patients experiencing a downward curvature of the penis. Hypospadias is a common anomaly in pediatric urological systems and generally requires surgical treatment. For treatment, it is recommended to visit the pediatric or urology department of a local Grade A level III hospital for surgery. Regarding the optimal age for surgery, research suggests that it is best to perform the operation between 6 to 12 months of age. At this time, the development of the penis is rapid, and babies have better tolerance to anesthesia, with minimal impact on their psychological development. Additionally, postoperative pain and discomfort from catheters are relatively mild, and babies have limited mobility, which facilitates postoperative care. Studies also show that the incidence of complications during urethroplasty in older children is significantly higher.