International Consultation on Urological Diseases: Congenital Anomalies of the Genitalia in Adolescence

Abstract

Objective: To provide a comprehensive overview of genital anomalies encountered among adolescents, including late effects of problems addressed earlier in childhood.

Materials and methods: The major congenital genital anomalies encountered in pediatric urology were identified. They include hypospadias, exstrophy-epispadias, cloacal malformations, disorders of sexual development, undescended testes, and some acquired penile anomalies seen in adolescence (priapism, adolescent varicocele). Recommendations of the International Consultation on Urological Diseases are provided on various aspects of these conditions, such as postpubertal cosmesis and function, fertility implications, and long-term nephrological considerations (when relevant).

Results: Specific recommendations for care, including strength of clinical recommendation, are provided in this paper. Whereas the basis of this paper is to discuss specific management recommendations as they relate to several heterogeneous conditions, general recommendations include patient-centered discussions regarding operative treatment be deferred until the patient is able to articulate goals and participate in shared decision-making and utilization of multidisciplinary teams for conditions where multiple organ systems may be involved.

Conclusion: Congenital abnormalities of the genitalia are common and widely heterogeneous. Late effects and concerns often emerge after puberty, and patients should be followed throughout their adult lives to address such concerns.