Epispadias

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An epispadias is a rare type of malformation of the penis in which the urethra ends in an opening on the upper aspect (the dorsum) of the penis. An epispadias is an uncommon and partial form of a spectrum of failures of abdominal and pelvic fusion in the first months of embryogenesis. Most cases involve more severe defects, including a small and bifid phallus with bladder exstrophy or even cloacal exstrophy involving the entire perineum.

Despite the similarity of name, an epispadias is not a type of hypospadias, and involves a problem with a different set of embryologic processes. The cause of this defect of early embryogenesis is unknown but does not involve androgens.Template:Disease-stub