Comparison of outcomes of tubularized incised plate hypospadias repair and circumcision: A questionnaire-based survey of parents and surgeon

Aim: We administered a standardized questionnaire to parents and operating surgeon to determine their opinions regarding outcomes from tubularized incised plate (TIP) hypospadias repair. Methods: Likert scale questionnaires were used to assess six outcomes: overall penile appearance, cosmesis of meatus and skin, penile size, straightness during erection, and voided stream. These were answered by consecutive parents of boys 6 weeks following TIP hypospadias repair, as well as by the surgeon. Controls were normal boys 6 weeks after elective circumcision, with their parents and the surgeon answering the same questionnaires. Results: There were no significant differences in responses between parents of boys undergoing TIP repair for distal (n = 50) to proximal (n = 15) hypospadias compared to parents of normal boys undergoing elective circumcision (n = 22). Surgeon impressions of cosmetic results were slightly, but significantly, more favorable than those of parents. Surgeon scores were higher for distal versus proximal hypospadias outcomes. Conclusions: Our study provides objective evidence that parents consider TIP hypospadias repair to create a normally functioning and appearing penis. Parent and surgeon opinions of cosmetic outcomes were similar, although surgeon impressions were more favorable.