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Hypospadias surgery trials show minimal publication bias, supporting the reliability of current research. 

In a study published in June 2025 in the issue of International Journal of Urology, Researchers assessed publication bias in hypospadias research and its potential influence on clinical decision-making. 

They performed a literature review across 4 public databases to identify peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing surgical approaches for hypospadias, focusing on success and complication rates. They evaluated study quality using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB-2) tool and graded evidence strength via the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method. Data were analyzed and recalculated using Review Manager software (RevMan version 5.4). Publication bias assessment was done using a funnel plot and Egger’s test. 

The results showed that 32 articles were analyzed, with 25.0% (8/32) rated low quality, 71.9% (23/32) as moderate, and 3.1% (1/32) as high. Most trials lacked sufficient details on randomization, allocation of concealment, and blinding, raising concerns about bias. The funnel’s plot appeared symmetrical, and Egger’s test showed mild evidence of publication bias (P= 0.055). 

Investigators concluded that hypospadias research demonstrated no significant publication bias, suggesting a currently balanced and reliable evidence base. 

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/iju.70153