Most common cause of urethral obstruction in male children –
**Question:** Most common cause of urethral obstruction in male children -
A. Hypospadias
B. Penile curvature (Peyronie's disease)
C. Urethral stricture
D. Congenital hypospadias
**Core Concept:**
Urethral obstruction in male children is a condition caused by abnormalities in the development or structure of the urethra, which affects urine flow. This can be due to anatomical issues, such as abnormalities in the urethral mucosa, muscular layer, or the surrounding tissues.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
Congenital hypospadias (option D) is the most common cause of urethral obstruction in male children. Hypospadias refers to a birth defect where the urethral opening is located at an abnormal site along the urethra, typically on the glans penis or shaft. This results in impaired urine flow and may cause complications like meatal stenosis (narrowing of the meatus) and chordee (curvature of the penis).
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Hypospadias (option D) is the correct answer, not option A (hypospadias). Hypospadias refers to the condition, while congenital hypospadias is the specific type of hypospadias that is the most common cause of urethral obstruction in male children.
B. Peyronie's disease (option B) is a condition characterized by an abnormal scar tissue formation in the penile shaft, causing penile curvature and pain. It is a separate condition and not the most common cause of urethral obstruction in male children.
C. Urethral stricture (option C) is a narrowing or stricture of the urethra due to inflammation, injury, or scarring. Although urethral stricture can cause obstruction, it is less common in pediatric patients compared to congenital hypospadias.
**Clinical Pearl:**
Understanding the difference between hypospadias and urethral stricture is crucial in accurately diagnosing and treating urethral obstruction in pediatric patients. Hypospadias is a broader term describing the abnormality, while congenital hypospadias is the specific type relevant to the question.