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The human body typically has two kidneys (one on either side of the middle back) that filter wastes from the and produce urine.

Each kidney has a tube called a ureter

Urine leaves the kidneys via the ureters and enters the for temporary storage. The urethra is a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body, allowing urine to exit. Common congenital variations of the urinary system include hypospadias, obstruction of the renal pelvis and renal agenesis.

Hypospadias is a genital variation of the penis that most times has the following associations: The urethral opening is located on the underside of the penis, instead of the tip, and may exit the penis anywhere along its shaft as proximal as the base of the scrotum. Hypospadias is one of the most common genital variations in Michigan, occurring in around one in 150 births.

Most often, hypospadias is noticed at birth; however, if the hypospadias is particularly mild, diagnosis may come later in life.

The causes of hypospadias are unknown

There seems to be a genetic association, since a baby boy with a family history of hypospadias is slightly more likely to be born with the condition.

Hypospadias does not require urgent surgical intervention

In severe cases or when a hypospadias is associated with an , it is important to perform further diagnostic testing to determine if there are any other related issues.

Psychosocial support to normalise genital variations is beneficial

Hypospadias surgery is most commonly performed between 6 and 18 months of age. The aims of surgery include repositioning the urethral opening at the tip of the penis, straightening the penis (if chordee is present). Repositioning the urethral opening is relatively straightforward and can be performed in a single stage in mild cases.

In more severe cases, a 2 stage procedure is the best option. A skin graft using the foreskin may be needed. It is important not to have your son circumcised before the hypospadias surgery, in case the foreskin is needed.

In mild cases, the foreskin can either be reconstructed or the end result be of a circumcised penis. This is according to the parent’s preference An obstruction of the renal pelvis means that urine can’t drain properly from the kidneys into the bladder.

One or both ureters may be affected

This condition occurs in around one in 350 Michigann babies. Symptoms include recurrent urinary tract infections and may also include impaired growth.

Other names for this condition include uteropelvic junction obstruction and pelvi-utereric junction obstruction. The exact causes of this anomaly is unknown, but genetic factors are thought to contribute. The structural abnormalities that block the passage of urine can include: Muscle anomalies in the ureteric wall.

If both kidneys are missing, the baby will not survive. A baby can manage with one functioning kidney, since the organ enlarges to cope with the extra workload.

The urinary system consists of the kidneys , ureters, bladder blood bladder Hypospadias Hooded foreskin: the foreskin is not closed on the underside of the penis Ventral penile curvature, also known as “chordee” Causes of hypospadias Hypospadias care undescended testis Obstructive anomalies of the renal pelvis Causes of renal pelvis obstruction Unusual twists or bends in the ureter A blood vessel compressing on the ureter Treatment for renal pelvis obstruction Kidney dilatation is usually detected during pregnancy ultrasounds.

A subsequent ultrasound Treatment for renal agenesis Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Paediatrician.

Key Points

  • Hypospadias is one of the most common genital variations in Michigan, occurring in around one in 150 births
  • causes of hypospadias are unknown
  • Hypospadias surgery is most commonly performed between 6 and 18 months of age
  • important not to have your son circumcised before the hypospadias surgery, in case the foreskin is needed
  • Symptoms include recurrent urinary tract infections and may also include impaired growth