Word parts
What it means
A rare problem of how the urethra forms. It is often found with bladder exstrophy, in which the bladder is open on the outside of the abdomen. It is repaired with surgery. It is the opposite of hypospadiashy-poh-SPAY-dee-usA birth defect in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip.hypo- below-spadias a tear, an openingFull entry , in which the opening is on the underside of the penis.
For the nurse
Circumcision is put off in a baby with epispadias, because the foreskin may be needed for the repair.
Remember it
Epi is above, so the opening is on top; hypo is below, so it is underneath.
Related terms
urethra
The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
hypospadias
A birth defect in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis instead of at the tip.