Which of the following is a common complication associated with a stent placed after hypospadias repair?

The placement of a stent after a hypospadias repair is a common practice to maintain urinary drainage and allow healing. However, one of the frequent complications that can arise from having a stent in place is infection at the site. The stent creates a potential entry point for bacteria, which can lead to urinary tract infections or localized infections around the surgical site.

Infection can manifest as inflammation, discomfort, and sometimes fever, which may necessitate further intervention or antibiotic treatment. Consequently, monitoring for signs of infection is vital in the postoperative care of a patient who has undergone hypospadias repair with stent placement.

While other complications such as difficulty voiding, excessive bleeding, and stent blockage can occur, they are less commonly associated than infection. Difficulty voiding may arise from the stent's presence, but this is typically less frequent. Excessive bleeding is a risk during surgery but is not a direct consequence of stent placement postoperatively. Stent blockage can happen, particularly if there is internal swelling or clot formation, but infection remains a prevalent and significant risk that warrants attention.