An evaluation study examining penile bacterial flora in boys undergoing hypospadias surgery with foreskin reconstruction

Hypospadias surgery with foreskin reconstruction is an increasingly preferred option for the management of this common condition. The objective of this study was to identify the bacterial flora present before and after cleansing of the prepuce as well as 7 d after surgery. Sixty-three boys aged between 12–14 months, with primary distal hypospadias undergoing tubularized incised plate repair, were recruited between October 2013 and April 2014. Microbiological swabs were taken pre- and post-operatively to identify organisms present under their foreskin at the time of surgery and compared with organisms present 7 d post-operatively at the time of dressing removal. A parent reported wound infection tool was used to explore parents' perception and management of their son's wound 4 weeks following surgery. Bacterial colonization of the penis was common. Routine cleansing with an alcoholic chlorhexidine solution reduced bacterial flora in 82% of boys with a positive preoperative swab result. Post-operative colonization of the penis was found in 93% of patients, wound dressing colonization was common. Two parents' reported concerns regarding their son's wound healing. Topical cleansing at the time of surgery is effective in reducing the number of organisms present under the foreskin. Despite recolonization 7 d after surgery, clinical infection remains uncommon. Complication rate 12 months after surgery was very low <2%.