A 9-month-old boy has distal penile hypospadias with mild chordee. His parents ask about timing of surgical correction. What is the recommended age for hypospadias repair?

• A Immediately in the neonatal period
• B After puberty once penile growth is complete
• C Between 3 and 5 years of age
• D Between 6 and 18 months of age ✓

Explanation

Standard practice is to repair hypospadias between 6 and 18 months. Before 6 months anaesthetic risk is higher, and operating within this window takes advantage of adequate penile size while avoiding the psychological impact and genital awareness that develop after 18 months to 2 years. Waiting until preschool age or puberty offers no anatomical advantage, increases parental anxiety, and makes postoperative catheter care and dressing compliance harder in a walking child.

Reference: Campbell-Walsh Urology, 12th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.