What is Phimosis?
Phimosis is a condition in which foreskin (prepuce) of the child cannot be retracted back over the glans of the penis.
What causes phimosis in children?
Majority of the children have physiological phimosis i.e it is normal for infants and children if their penile foreskin cannot be retracted over glans. Small number of children may present with pathological phimosis in which foreskin is scarred. Common causes are infection of foreskin or glans and forceful retraction of foreskin. Clinical examination by pediatric surgeon is required to differentiate between pathological and physiological phimosis.
Do we need to operate phimosis in children?
If the child has physiological phimosis, nothing needs to be done except when child has some symptoms like difficulty in micturition or ballooning of prepuce while micturating. Conservative measures generally resolve the issue in this case. However, pathological phimosis needs to be operated upon.
What is the surgery for pathological phimosis?
Circumcision is the surgery of choice for pathological phimosis in which foreskin is cut. More conservative surgical approach includes prepucioplasty.
What to expect in post operative period?
Child may experience hypersensitivity in the initial days over now exposed glans which generally goes away in few days. There are generally no other long term complications
