A prospective randomized clinical trial to evaluate wound healing, cosmetic and functional results as well as postoperative adverse events comparing two types of dressing technique after hypospadias repair

PMCID: PMC12177010

PMID: 40533580

DOI: 10.1007/s00383-025-06063-1

Journal: Pediatric surgery international

Publication Date: 2025-6-18

Authors: Lawo K, Feller D, Klein BS, Holland-Cunz SG, Frech-Dörfler M

Key Points

• No significant difference was observed between film and silver pad dressing techniques in wound healing or cosmetic outcomes
• Wound dehiscence rate was statistically significantly higher in the silver pad dressing group
• The study supports a more individualized approach to postoperative dressing, suggesting technique may be less critical than previously assumed

Summary

This prospective randomized clinical trial investigated two postoperative dressing techniques for hypospadias repair: adherent film dressing versus non-adherent silver pad covered with film dressing. The study aimed to evaluate wound healing and cosmetic/functional outcomes in 44 pediatric patients with hypospadias, using the Southampton Wound Assessment Scale (SWAS) and Hypospadias Objective Penile Evaluation (HOPE) Score.

The research found no statistically significant difference between the two dressing techniques in primary outcomes of wound healing and cosmetic/functional results. However, a notable secondary finding was a significantly higher rate of wound dehiscence in the silver pad group. These results suggest that the specific dressing technique may not critically impact postoperative outcomes in hypospadias repair, potentially offering clinicians more flexibility in wound management approaches.