CO₂ laser desiccation of urethral hair post‐penoscrotal hypospadias repair

Abstract

Background: Proximal urethral defects account for approximately 20% of hypospadiac urethras. Previous surgical interventions involved hair‐bearing genital skin which consequently resulted in a hairy urethra, which is seen mainly in older patients. Objective: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the CO₂ laser for urethra hair elimination. Methods: Four men aged 18–20 years with hairy urethras, who failed electrolysis treatment, were treated with CO₂ laser desiccation at low fluences (2–5 watts). The treatments were performed at 1‐month intervals. Treatment was continued until no hair was seen. Visual assessment of the hair reduction was recorded. Results: Patients received two to four treatment sessions (average 3.2). On clinical assessment 3 months after the last treatment, outcome was rated excellent (no hair) in all patients. Conclusions: CO₂ laser desiccation should be considered as a therapeutic modality for a hairy urethra, especially after the failure of electrolysis.

• Laser
• Urethra
• hair
• peno‐scrotal repair