The optimal catheter duration in hypospadias repair: A systematic review

Abstract Hypospadias is the most prevalent congenital anomaly of the penis, with surgical intervention being its only treatment option. There remains ongoing debate regarding the necessity, the type, and duration of urine diversion following hypospadias repair. Early catheter removal may alleviate discomfort for both the patient and their family, facilitating earlier discharge. Nonetheless, premature removal raises concerns about the potential development of complications. A systematic review was conducted to assess the impact of catheter removal timing on the occurrence of complications. Six observational studies, including 1188 cases, were included. The duration before catheter removal varied among the study groups from less than 24 h up to more than 6 weeks. Prolonged catheterization can potentially lead to better urinary flow rate and better cosmetic results, but without a significant difference in most complications. There is an existing knowledge gap regarding the best urinary diversion and the optimal duration of catheterization in hypospadias repair. The available literature warrants further high‐quality research. This includes conducting larger multicenter randomized trials to advance our understanding, aiming at improving the outcomes of hypospadias repair surgery.