Disorders of Male External Genitalia: Hypospadias, Epispadias, Concealed Penis, Urethral Disorders

Abstract

Disorders of the male external genitalia are quite common and account for the majority of referrals for the specialty and day case surgery. Some require more specialist interventions and are taken care of by specialist centers and some in a multidisciplinary setting. Anomalies discussed are hypospadias, epispadias, concealed penis and benign urethral lesions including duplications. Some rare anomalies may escape the detailed examination of a generalist however, it is important that these are recognized and appropriate specialist referrals made to avoid unnecessary interventions and morbidity. Such interventions may disadvantage further reconstruction if needed and therefore the chapter highlights such scenarios for awareness and understanding. For example, a child with hypospadias or concealed penis should not be circumcised without specialist input. In addition, failure to recognize may also prolong the misery of some children, for example, a child with epispadias may be treated by conservative measures for incontinence if not diagnosed.