Most common congenital urethral abnormalities is:
## **Core Concept**
Congenital urethral abnormalities refer to structural anomalies of the urethra present at birth, which can affect both males and females. These anomalies can range from mild to severe and may require surgical intervention. The most common types include hypospadias, epispadias, and urethral duplication.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, **B. Hypospadias**, is the most common congenital urethral abnormality. Hypospadias is characterized by the urethral meatus opening on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip. It occurs due to incomplete fusion of the urethral folds during fetal development. This condition affects approximately 1 in 200 to 1 in 300 male newborns, making it a relatively common congenital anomaly.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** Epispadias is a rare congenital anomaly where the urethral opening is located on the dorsum (upper side) of the penis. It is much less common than hypospadias.
- **Option C:** Urethral duplication is a rare condition where there are two urethral channels, which can be partial or complete. This condition is less common than hypospadias.
- **Option D:** This option is not specified, but given that B is the correct answer, it would represent other less common conditions.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that hypospadias is not just a cosmetic issue; it can also lead to functional problems such as difficulty with urination and increased risk of urinary tract infections. Surgical repair is often necessary to correct the anomaly.
## **Correct Answer:** B. Hypospadias