Epispadias Treatment in Delhi & Gurgaon
Understanding Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Epispadias
Illustration showing Epispadias
What is Epispadias?
Epispadias is a rare birth defect, a condition a baby is born with. It affects the urethra, the tube that carries urine outside of the body from the bladder.
In a baby with epispadias, the urethra doesn't fully develop. Epispadias usually happens in males, though epispadias in females is rarer. Pediatric urologists, doctors who specialize in problems of the urinary system of babies and children, can fix the problem with surgery.
Note: Most of the time, epispadias occurs with other congenital urological problems, including bladder exstrophy. Children with bladder exstrophy are born with the bladder outside the abdomen instead of inside.
How does epispadias affect males?
A baby boy with epispadias has:
- A penis that's short, wide and curves up, called dorsal chordee.
- A meatus (me-ATE-us) on top of the penis rather than at the tip.
Meatus: The hole or opening of the urethra. With epispadias, a deep groove often runs between the meatus and tip of the penis.
Types of epispadias in males
Providers classify epispadias based on the meatus' exact location. Its location affects how well the bladder can store urine. The closer the meatus is to the base of the penis, the more likely the condition also affects the bladder sphincter and urine control.
Bladder sphincter: Opens and closes to release or hold urine.
Glanular Epispadias
This is the most common type. The meatus is on top of the glans (head of the penis).
Penile Epispadias
The meatus is along the penis shaft.
Penopubic Epispadias
The meatus is near the pubic bone. The pelvic bones don't come together, and the sphincter can't close completely.
How does epispadias affect females?
Baby girls may have:
- A urethral opening toward the clitoris or even in the lower abdomen (belly).
- Pubic bones that are separated, so the clitoris can't connect in the middle.
- Labia (the folds of skin outside of the vagina) that don't form properly.
- Problems with the bladder neck, resulting in urine control issues.
Diagnosis and Tests
How is epispadias diagnosed?
At Birth Examination
Healthcare providers usually diagnose this condition when a baby is born. Providers notice the unusually shaped penis in a boy or clitoris and labia in a girl.
Specialist Referral
If the pediatrician detects epispadias, they'll refer you to a pediatric urologist for treatment.
Visual Diagnosis
Physical examination reveals anatomical abnormalities at birth
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound to assess bladder, kidneys, and pelvic bones
Urology Consultation
Referral to pediatric urologist for specialized care
Key Takeaways
About Epispadias
- • Rare congenital birth defect affecting urethra development
- • More common in males than females
- • Often occurs with bladder exstrophy
- • Diagnosed at birth through physical examination
Treatment & Management
- • Pediatric urologists specialize in treatment
- • Surgical correction is primary treatment
- • Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes
- • May involve multiple surgeries over time
Important: Epispadias requires specialized care from pediatric urologists. Early surgical intervention can help achieve normal urinary function and appearance. Regular follow-up care is essential for monitoring development and addressing any complications.