Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What procedure is indicated for correcting the position of the urethra in males?

1. Meatotomy

2. Hypospadias repair

3. Vasectomy

4. Urethrectomy

The correct answer is: Hypospadias repair

Hypospadias repair is a surgical procedure specifically designed to correct the abnormal positioning of the urethral opening in males, a condition known as hypospadias. In this condition, the urethra does not terminate at the tip of the penis but instead opens at a point along the underside, which can affect urination and sexual function. During hypospadias repair, the surgeon creates a new urethral opening and may also alter the surrounding tissue to improve cosmetic appearance and function. This procedure is typically performed on infants or young boys before the age of five, as it is essential for both functional and psychological reasons. The other choices refer to different surgical interventions with distinct purposes. For instance, a meatotomy involves enlarging the urinary opening but does not address the underlying urethra position like hypospadias repair does. A vasectomy is a procedure for male sterilization focusing on cutting the vas deferens, while urethrectomy involves the removal of the urethra, which is not indicated for correcting its position. Thus, the hypospadias repair is the most appropriate and relevant procedure for this specific condition.