Microphallic hypospadias: testosterone therapy prior to surgical repair.

The surgical repair of hypospadias may be more difficult in boys with microphallus than in those with a penis of normal size. Temporary enlargement of the abnormally small penis can be achieved by local application or systemic administration of testosterone. We have studied the effect of local application of testosterone cream in seven boys with microphallic hypospadias. Serum testosterone levels and penile size were measured before, during and after treatment. The relative advantages and disadvantages of local testosterone application in comparison with injection are discussed.