Factors affecting the long-term results of hypospadias repairs

PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore the relationships between the short- and long-term results of hypospadias repair and identify the factors that could affect the long-term results of hypospadias repair.Materials and MethodsBetween 1982 and 1988, 142 patients were operated for hypospadias and completed their treatment at Tongji Hospital (Wuhan, China). Their records were analyzed retrospectively, and a detailed questionnaire was mailed to them.ResultsOne hundred two patients returned the questionnaire. Patients in the proximal hypospadias group, those using Denis-Browne technique, and those with early complications were markedly dissatisfied with the overall results of hypospadias repair and penile appearance. Moreover, their dissatisfaction grew with the number of operations they had. Thirty-nine (95.1%) of 41 patients using the Denis-Browne technique had voiding problems. Forty-nine (48%) of 102 patients felt inhibited in seeking girlfriends or sexual contacts. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between the level of sexual inhibition and operation times. A highly positive correlation was found between the age at the time hypospadias surgery was completed and the extent of being sexually inhibited. The patients in proximal hypospadias group had more erection and ejaculation problems.ConclusionsThe short-term results of hypospadias repair could affect the long-term results significantly, and good short-term results also predict long-term ones. The types of hypospadias, procedures, and complications have significant influences on predicting the long-term results of hypospadias repairs.