Patient's question:
My child is 21 months old, and I am planning to have him undergo a hypospadias surgery. The doctor said that the anesthesia used during the surgery could potentially affect the brain and lead to reduced memory in children. Is general anesthesia absolutely necessary for hypospadias surgery?Doctor's answer:
The surgery for hypospadias in children does not necessarily require general anesthesia. Hypospadias is a congenital urinary and genital system disorder in children, where the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis, and there is abnormal fibrous tissue on the ventral side of the penis, causing the penis to bend. During erection, it cannot stand straight. In mild cases, it may only interfere with external appearance, but in severe cases, it may make it difficult to stand or urinate normally. The only treatment for hypospadias is surgery. Wishing the patient a speedy recovery!