Hypospadias is a birth defect in which the tube (the urethra) that carries urine (pee) out of the body doesn't reach the tip of the penis. Instead, the opening of the urethra (the meatus) is along the underside of the penis. The penis also might be curved. Your son had surgery to make the urethra go to a new opening at the tip of the penis. The surgeon also may have straightened the penis, if necessary. Your son is now ready to go home. Follow these instructions to help him heal.

• Your son should have only clear liquids like broth, gelatin, and watered-down juice for several hours. When he can take clear liquids without vomiting, he can try light, non-greasy foods. Tomorrow, he can return to his regular diet.
• Give your son any prescribed medicines as directed.
• If the surgeon prescribed pain medicine, give it as directed. Don't give your son acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand) with prescription pain medicines without asking your surgeon or pharmacist first.
• Sometimes a small tube called a catheter is put in the urethra to drain pee into the diaper or a bag taped to the leg. If your son had a tube inserted: 
  • Follow the surgeon's instructions for its handling and care.
  • Return to have the tube removed as the surgeon directed. It can help to give your son the recommended pain medicine about 1 hour before this appointment.
• Your son will have a dressing around his penis. This dressing either will fall off on its own or be removed at the follow-up visit to the surgeon.
• Don't let your son take a bath or shower or go swimming until the surgeon says it's OK. Until then, he should have sponge baths.
• Your son can return to child care or school after the dressing and/or tube are removed.
• Your son should avoid straddle toys (like rocking horses and bicycles), gym class, and rough play until the surgeon says it's OK.

• Your son has a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or greater.
• A lot of pee is leaking around the catheter tube.
• You see signs of infection, such as increased redness or swelling, or yellow or green pus.
• Your son has pain or seems very cranky even after taking pain medicine.
• Your son is throwing up a lot and can't keep liquids down.
• Your son is having trouble pooping.
• You have questions or concerns.

• Your son can't pee.
• There is bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure.
• Your son has trouble breathing.

Will my son need more surgery in the future? Some boys do need future procedures to complete the hypospadias repair, help with the appearance of the penis, or make sure that pee can pass out of the urethra as it should. Others won't need any further surgeries.

Will my son be able to have children when he's older? Most boys who have had hypospadias repair can father children later in life.