What is the congenital condition characterized by an abnormal opening of the male urethra on the undersurface of the penis?

Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the urethra opens on the undersurface of the penis instead of at the tip. This abnormal placement can be along the shaft or, in more severe cases, at the base of the penis or even onto the scrotum. The condition is typically diagnosed during the newborn examination and can vary in severity, impacting not only physical appearance but also urinary function and sexual reproduction later in life.

The management of hypospadias often requires surgical intervention to create a functional and cosmetically acceptable urethral opening, usually performed during infancy. This condition is distinct from others such as cryptorchidism, which involves undescended testes, and chordee, a condition where the penis bends due to a tethered band of tissue. Scrotal hydrocele, meanwhile, refers to fluid collection in the scrotum and is unrelated to urethral placement. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing and treating various congenital conditions effectively.