Hypospadias Surgery Cost in India

Hypospadias surgery is a procedure done to correct a congenital anomaly known as hypospadias which affects newborn baby boys. Hypospadias is when the urethra, or the tube through which urine comes out, is not formed correctly and does not exit at the end of the penis. However, the condition can develop in an area extending from the glans just below the head of the penis to the scrotum. In male fetuses, the urethra formation starts at the 8th week and is completed by the 14th week of pregnancy. 

Hypospadias is a frequent condition. It affects around one out of every 150 to 300 children assigned male at birth (AMAB). Behind undescended testicles, it is the second most prevalent congenital abnormality affecting children with AMAB. The less severe types occur more frequently than the milder ones. Hypospadias surgery cost varies depending on the following aspects. Here we will provide all the necessary information regarding the surgery and its expenses. Keep on reading to know more.

Hypospadias repair, what does it mean?

Hypospadias is a form of congenital abnormality that affects the male genitalia and is treated through surgery referred to as hypospadias surgery. Hypospadias usually results in the urethra – the tubes that allow urine and sperm to be expelled from the body, not forming correctly in the penis. The external opening of the urethra referred to as the Meatus is located at the glans of the penis. However, in babies with hypospadias, the meatus rather forms in a different position, on the shaft of the penis. Some possible areas where the meatus might develop include:

• Along the middle of the penis shaft.
• Near the head of the penis.
• The space between the penis and scrotum. The testicles are generally housed in the scrotum, a pouch of skin behind the penis. 

What Are the Types of Hypospadias?

Healthcare provides categorize the type of hypospadias by where the urethra opens:

• Glanular (balanic): Glanular hypospadias can be defined as a condition in which the meatus or the opening of the urethra is located at the shaft of the penis but it is not situated at the tip of the organ. It is categorized as the least severe form of hypospadias.
• Coronal: Crucial hypospadias is the most frequent type of hypospadias. It is where the meatus is situated just at the glans of the penis or at the junction of the glans and the body of the penis.
• Midshaft: Midshaft hypospadias takes place halfway on the penis shaft.
• Penoscrotal: Penoscrotal hypospadias is a condition found where the penis and scrotum join together.
• Scrotal/Perineal: These two are the most severe forms of hypospadias; scrotal and perineal hypospadias. The urethra is located on or below the scrotum.

Hypospadias Surgery Cost in India

Numerous elements impact the expenses associated with Hypospadias Surgery Cost in India. The major driver of cost is the individual patient’s medical condition. Hypospadias Surgery Cost in India ranges between INR 30,000 Lakh to INR 1,70,000 ($350 to $2000).

Hypospadias Surgery Cost in Different Cities in India

Please keep in mind that the cost of the treatment will vary depending on various factors. Below are the factors that can affect the cost of the treatment.

Factors that affect Hypospadias Surgery Cost in India

Here are several key factors that influence the expenses associated with Hypospadias Surgery Cost in India:

Hospital or clinic’s location: The cost of care in a private hospital or clinic is often higher than that in a public hospital.

Medication costs: Certain medicines can influence the overall cost of Hypospadias Surgery in India.

Patient Condition: The complexity of the patient’s overall health can affect the duration of treatment, impacting the cost. 

Duration of treatment: Longer treatment courses involving multiple visits can lead to higher cumulative costs.

The expertise and experience of medical professionals: A Urologist surgeon with extensive experience and recognition often commands higher fees, contributing to the treatment cost.

Hypospadias Surgery: How Is It Carried Out? 

 The most appropriate age to correct hypospadias in boys most particularly, is between 6 months and two years of age. The procedure is outpatient, so the child does not need to remain in the hospital overnight. Pediatricians recommend that hypospadias surgery should not be performed on newborns since the extra foreskin may be required to help fix the problem. 

 The patient is normally made to undergo general anesthesia before the surgery, this way the patient will be asleep during the surgery to prevent them from feeling the pain during the surgery process. Mild conditions could be rectified in one operation while severe conditions may still have to be operated on several times. To make the tube longer to fill the gap in the urethra, the surgeon uses a small piece of foreskin or a tissue from a different area. If the length of the urethra is increased, it may open at the apex of the penis. 

To ensure the urethra stays in a properly re-shaped state after surgery, the surgeon may place a catheter (tube) in the urethra. Moreover, it is likely to be sutured or anchored to the penis head so that the urethra stays in proper shape. The tube is normally pulled out one to two weeks after the surgery. Many of the sutures placed during surgery will work their way out on their own and do not require removal at a later date. However, it is greatly advisable to take care of the operation during the first few weeks so as to avoid conditions such as bleeding or infection. If any of such complications arise, one should see the doctor right away. 

Hypospadias correction is an effective procedure that most commonly has positive results. You should seek consultation with health care practitioners if hypospadias reconstruction is necessary. Ensure that the patient understands issues to do with the hypospadias repair surgery as well as any possible complications.