Structural study of prepuce in hypospadias--does topical treatment with testosterone produce alterations in prepuce vascularization?

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Androgen stimulation before hypospadias surgery has resulted in increased penile size, fewer complications and improved cosmesis, and suggests increased neovascularization. To our knowledge the real effect on neovascularization remains to be proved. We studied the histological effects of testosterone on neovascularization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 26 boys with hypospadias were randomly allocated to 2 groups before surgical correction. Group 1 did not receive any treatment and group 2 received 1% testosterone propionate ointment twice daily for 30 days before surgery. During the surgical procedure a fragment of prepuce was excised and prepared for histological evaluation. The number and volume density of blood vessels were determined by labeling for von Willebrand's factor. Blood vessel quantification as volume density was done using a video microscopy system with a superimposed cycloid arch test system.

RESULTS:

The groups were similar in age and hypospadias classification. Testosterone treated prepuces (group 2) had an increased absolute number of blood vessels (mean ± SD 8.5 ± 1.3 vs 4.8 ± 1.8 vessels per field) and increased blood vessel volume density (mean 50.5% ± 7.8% vs 24.8% ± 8.6% vessels per point) (each p <0.001) compared to those in untreated patients (group 1).

CONCLUSIONS:

The use of 1% testosterone propionate ointment before hypospadias surgery produces neovascularization in absolute numbers and in volume density.

• Authors: André Netto Bastos, Leonardo Resende Souza Oliveira, Carlos Eduardo Prata Fernandes Ferrarez, André Avarese de Figueiredo, Luciano Alves Favorito, Jose Murillo Bastos Netto
• Journal: The Journal of urology (J Urol) Vol. 185 Issue 6 Suppl Pg. 2474-8 (Jun 2011) ISSN: 1527-3792 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21527202 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Testosterone

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Child, Preschool
• Foreskin (blood supply, drug effects)
• Humans
• Hypospadias (surgery)
• Infant
• Male
• Testosterone (administration & dosage, pharmacology)