Hypospadias
The term that describes a urethral opening on the ventral surface of the penis is hypospadias 1.
Definition and Clinical Presentation
Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly where the urethral meatus is positioned proximal to its normal location on the ventral (underside) aspect of the penis 2. This is the most common congenital penile anomaly, distinct from the other options listed in your question:
- Cryptorchidism refers to undescended testes, not urethral positioning
- Inguinal hernia involves abdominal contents protruding through the inguinal canal
- Hypospadias is the correct answer - characterized by ventral urethral opening
Key Clinical Features
The condition presents with several characteristic findings 2:
- Ectopic urethral meatus on the ventral penile surface (ranging from mild distal to severe proximal locations, potentially extending to the scrotum or perineum in severe cases)
- Dorsal hood deformity - deficient foreskin ventrally with excess tissue dorsally
- Ventral curvature (chordee) - more common in severe cases, present in cases requiring correction when >30° 1
Associated Anomalies
Cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia are the most common associated anomalies 2. The frequency of associated conditions increases with hypospadias severity. Screening for urinary tract anomalies should be considered in posterior hypospadias cases 2.
Management Principles
Surgical repair is typically performed between 6-18 months of age 1, with most cases repairable in a single outpatient operation 2. The primary goals address the proximal meatus, meatal stenosis, ventral curvature, and preputial deformity 1.
Success rates vary by location: 85-90% for distal hypospadias versus 32-86% for proximal cases 1. Long-term follow-up is essential, as proximal hypospadias shows a 48% reoperation rate within the first 15 years of life 1.