A review of current practice for boys undergoing hypospadias repair: from pre-operative work up to removal of dressing post-surgery.

The aim of this article was to examine an area from dinical practice, in this instance, paediatric urology and to look at the information needs of families prior to their young sons' having surgery to correct a hypospadias. Involving families and promoting informed decision-making with families prior to hypospadias repair for their child is important. To be able to facilitate real involvement the information has to be shared and parents and families given adequate support and opportunity to seek answers to questions. Providing an environment to undertake this, to then learn from the families for the future and to support the development of a National Support group, www.hypospadias.co.uk have been outcomes from setting up a pre-admission clinic. Literature in respect of after-care is very sparse. It became evident from clinical practice that the rationale for applying a dressing postoperatively needed to be explored. Furthermore limited evidence about dressing removal, coupled with the anxiety and upset this caused parents, identified the need to consider two issues (i) a better method of removal of dressings and (ii) the effects on pain scores. A blinded randomized controlled feasibility study was developed and implemented, with completion due at the end of 2001.