Hypospadias Surgery in Turkey: Cost, Top Doctors & VISA Guide

Hypospadias is a common congenital condition in males which is characterised by the abnormal placement of the urethral opening and often accompanied by a curvature of the penis. It affects approximately 1 in every 200-300 male newborns. However, many parents tend to overlook the condition due to a lack of awareness and understanding about it. Since candidates for hypospadias surgery are typically infants or young boys,  the sooner their three stages of hypospadias repair are done, the better and healthier it is for them. Timely treatment, carried out in three stages, leads to easier recovery and reduces the risk of complications later in life. 

In countries such as the UK, USA, and Australia, hypospadias surgery can be expensive. In contrast, Turkey offers the same surgery at lower prices, which are around $1,200 to $3,500, without compromising on quality. With shorter waiting times, government-supported healthcare, insurance-covered treatments, and comprehensive packages available through clinics partnered with CureTurkey, the country has become one of the best locations for getting affordable and high-quality hypospadias treatment.

What are the Indications for Hypospadias Surgery in Turkey? 

Generally, hypospadias repair is recommended for male infants to correct the abnormal placement of their urethral opening and straighten the penis curvature when necessary. The severity and type of hypospadias vary, which can result in different symptoms for each patient. Nevertheless, the general indications for undergoing hypospadias surgery are:

• An abnormally positioned urethral opening on the underside of the penis
• Penile curvature (chordee) that may interfere with urination or future sexual function
• Difficulty controlling the urinary stream, leading to spraying or dribbling
• Desire for a typical penile appearance, which can improve self-esteem and social comfort as the child grows
• Complications from previous hypospadias surgeries, such as incomplete correction or cosmetic dissatisfaction
• Presence of urethral fistulas or strictures causing urinary obstruction or leakage.

What are the Benefits of Hypospadias Surgery?

Hypospadias repair surgery can significantly increase a patient’s quality of life. Early surgical intervention during infancy or early childhood is generally recommended by doctors to prevent complications later in life. These are the benefits of undergoing hypospadias repair:

■ Corrects Urinary Stream:

A hypospadias repair surgery restores the urethral opening to its natural position at the tip of the penis and helps the child urinate in a straight stream without spraying or dribbling.

■ Improves Penile Appearance:

The repair surgery also improves the look of the penis by correcting curvature and creating a more natural & symmetrical appearance, which can be important for self-esteem later in life.

■ Supports Normal Sexual Development:

The surgery ensures proper structure and alignment of the penis for future sexual function, helping prevent discomfort, erectile difficulties, or complications during intercourse in adulthood.

■ Reduces Risk of Infections and Irritation:

The procedure reduces the likelihood of being infected with UTIs and irritation caused by misdirected urine flow or poor hygiene due to an abnormal urethral location.

■ Provides Long-Lasting Results:

When performed correctly and early, the repair requires no further surgeries and offers long-term results with normal urinary and sexual function.

What are the Different Types of Hypospadias Surgery in Turkey? 

Hypospadias surgery techniques might vary depending on the severity of your child’s condition and the location of the urethral opening. The choice of surgery depends on each child’s specific needs, and the surgeon will determine the most suitable treatment method after a thorough evaluation. Here are some of the common hypospadias surgery techniques used by surgeons in Turkey: 

■ Distal Hypospadias Repair

Distal Hypospadias repair is used when the urethral opening is located near the tip of the penis. It is a less complex procedure that is performed as a single-stage surgery providing great results. The repair usually involves minimal tissue reconstruction and has a relatively short recovery period.

■ Proximal Hypospadias Repair

Recommended for more severe cases, the proximal hypospadias repair surgery deals with urethral openings that are located closer to the base of the penis. Proximal repairs are more complex and involve straightening the penile curvature and reconstructing the urethra. Due to the complexity of the procedure, recovery can take longer, and occasionally a two-stage treatment becomes necessary.

■ Snodgrass Repair

The Snodgrass technique is widely used for distal hypospadias correction. In this procedure, a small incision in the urethral plate is made to tubularize it and create a new urethra. This method is preferred by many surgeons due to its low complication rate, reliable functional results, and excellent outcomes.

■ On Lay Island Flap Repair

When hypospadias reaches a chronic level, this technique is used. During this procedure, a flap of skin is used to create a new urethra. Once the incision is made, the flap is carefully positioned and sutured to form the new urethral tube. This method is best for repairing hypospadias with significant tissue deficiency.

■ Two-Stage Repair

Most doctors recommend a two-stage repair for hypospadias surgery for severe cases. In very severe cases, where one-stage surgery is not feasible due to lack of sufficient tissue or complex anatomy, a two-stage repair is done. During the first stage of the procedure, a new urethral plate is created using a graft, which is allowed to heal before the second stage. After healing, the new plate is tubularized to form the urethra, and the penis is rebuilt. This method is often chosen when previous surgeries have failed or when there is extensive scarring or deformity.

What is the Step-by-step Procedure for Hypospadias Surgery in Turkey?

Hypospadias surgery in Turkey is performed by experienced pediatric urologists using internationally recognised techniques. Here are the steps involved when hypospadias surgery is performed in Turkey:  

• In order to ensure that the patient is at ease and not suffering from pain during the surgical process, the surgeons will administer general anaesthesia. In some cases, local anaesthesia with sedation can also be administered.
• Once the penile area is properly sanitised, a small incision is made to meticulously remove the urethra free from the tissue that surrounds it. Then, it will be extended to the proper location at the apex of the penis to build a tube-like structure for the urethra. 
• Depending on the severity of the hypospadias and tissue availability, the surgeon will use tissue grafts to support the reconstruction. Grafts are usually harvested from the foreskin or the buccal mucosa.
• For a natural and more aesthetically pleasing appearance, the surgeon will reposition and suture the skin around the urethra and along the underside of the penis with absorbable stitches. 
• After the Hypospadias Surgery is completed, a dressing or bandage is applied to protect the wound and ensure proper healing. A urinary catheter is inserted to help drain urine through the newly constructed urethra. This helps keep the area dry and undisturbed during the entire healing process. The catheter is usually removed a few days after surgery, depending on the case.

How is Recovery after Hypospadias Surgery in Turkey?

Following the surgery, the hospital asks patients to remain for 1 to 2 days, during which they place the catheter before releasing them. The team of doctors will monitor your child closely for any signs  of swelling, discomfort or bruising, which are more likely to decrease within a few days. While the recovery period for hypospadias repair varies depending on the severity of the anatomical disorder, with regular cleaning, dressing and maintenance, the patient will recover within 7 to 15 days. 

Recovery after hypospadias surgery requires attentive care to promote proper healing and achieve the best possible results after the treatment. There might be some pain and discomfort during the initial recovery stages, which tend to subside eventually. However, you can manage them by taking the prescribed medications and applying cold compresses, which help with swelling and discomfort post-surgery. You need to take care of the surgical site by keeping it clean and dry and following your surgeon’s instructions regarding bathing, diapering and wound care for infants. 

Once the swelling and bruising have diminished, the patient can then resume light daily activities but should refrain from any heavy-duty activity until full recovery is confirmed by the surgeon. All follow-up appointments should be attended, where your doctor will monitor the patient’s healing process and make the necessary changes in the medication regimen. 

Why Choose Turkey for Hypospadias Surgery? 

Turkey has become one of the most preferred countries for hypospadias surgery, owing to its experienced surgeons, advanced procedures, and highly affordable costs. Let’s learn the factors that make Turkey the best place for hypospadias surgery: 

■ Accredited clinics:

Turkey is home to some of the best JCI-certified hospitals and medical centres, which are also accredited by Turkey’s Ministry of Health. Top-quality care is provided by adhering to international standards. 

■ Advanced Hypospadias Treatment:

Turkish surgeons and hospitals make use of advanced hypospadias techniques for treatment, which results in better outcomes and reduced complication rates. The availability of expert surgeons and top-notch medical devices helps in producing successful outcomes with 98% efficacy rates. 

■ High success rates: 

Hypospadias repair procedures in Turkey have a success rate that goes as high as 95%, ensuring the best cosmetic outcome when restrictions, instruction guidelines, and postoperative consultations are properly followed. 

■ Expert surgeons: 

Turkish hospitals in cities like Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir boast some of the leading urologists, certified by international medical boards, and trained in performing more than 1,500 successful hypospadias repairs.