UCSF

Key PointsHypospadias occurs in approximately 1:200–1:300 newborn males, and is the second most common congenital abnormality in boysFor the overwhelming majority of patients with hypospadias the aetiology remains unknownRelevant animal models of hypospadias are needed to improve our understanding of this congenital anomalyNormal and hypospadic development of the mouse, rat and human penis and prepuce involves similar epithelial fusion events and disruption of urethra-associated erectile bodies, leading to similar penile and preputial defectsThe ultimate goal of hypospadias research is to prevent or reduce the incidence of hypospadias in humans by defining the underlying environmental causes and genetic susceptibilities