Update on the surgical approach for reconstruction of the male genitalia

Semin Perinatol. 2017 Jun;41(4):218-226. doi: 10.1053/j.semperi.2017.03.015. Epub 2017 May 3.

Abstract

The majority of patients with DSD will be found to carry an XY karyotype and be assigned male gender. From a phenotypical standpoint, most will present with proximal hypospadias ± cryptorchidism. In this review article, the authors present the current status of reconstruction of the male genitalia in this setting. The report addresses the following topics: surgical input in the evaluation of the newborn with an undervirilized external genitalia, including gender assignment considerations; controversies surrounding timing and indication for hypospadias surgery in proximal cases as well as use of testosterone; surgical techniques and decision-making process for one- vs. two-stage repairs; complications of hypospadias surgery based on technique used for repair; and long-term follow-up. The high complication rates observed in the treatment of proximal hypospadias attest to its challenging nature. Concentration of experience, tracking carefully identified patient-centered outcomes and long-term follow-up of this patient population are recommended.

Keywords: Ambiguous genitalia; Hypospadias; Intersex; Male; Surgery; XY DSD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / therapeutic use*
  • Decision Making
  • Disorders of Sex Development / physiopathology
  • Disorders of Sex Development / psychology
  • Disorders of Sex Development / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Genitalia, Male / physiopathology
  • Genitalia, Male / surgery*
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Hypospadias / physiopathology
  • Hypospadias / psychology
  • Hypospadias / surgery*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Parents / education*
  • Parents / psychology
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use*
  • Time Factors
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male* / methods

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Testosterone