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Necessity of Fistula Repair

10/29/2009

Question:

My son had a hypospadias repair at 6 months old. At about 2 years of age, we noticed a small drip on the underside of his penis. He is now 3 and scheduled for a repair, which will involve a 10-day catheter. My question is–is the repair medically necessary? The drip will certainly be inconvenient or embarrassing as he grows older, but I`m wondering if we`re putting a 3 year old through an unnecessary ordeal. Also, is there an advantage to addressing the fistula now vs a year or two from now?

Answer:

If there is a fistula, which your son has, it is beneficial to perform it when he is young. Also, he will not remember it at this age.

For more information:

Go to the Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children) health topic.