Research

Non-Retractable Preputium in Children

  • Emin BALKAN
  • Taner HALİL
  • Şefik ÇAMAN
  • Nizamettin KILIÇ
  • Hasan DOĞRUYOL

Received Date: Accepted Date: 10.02.2004 Gulhane Med J 2004;46(1):29-32

Aim:

To find a diagnostic method for pathological phimosis.

Method:

Retractibility of the preputium, preputiel orifice diameter and urinary system symptoms are studied in 362 children, between 0 - 11 years old which are admitted to paediatric surgery clinic.

Results:

The rate of pulling back the preputium is 9.40% in infants, 35.90% in 7-12 months old children, 48.00% in 3 years old children, 80.00% in 8 - 9 years old children and 100.00% in 10 - 11 years old children. The rate of preputiel orifice diameter over 5 mm is 75.00% in infants, 73.30% in 7 - 12 months old children, 84.00% in 3 years old children and 100.00% in children which are older than 8 years old. The rate of the presence of the smegma cyst is 18.60% in 2 months - 4 years old children, 36.60% in 6 - 7 years old children, and 0.00% in children older than 8 years old. The difficulty in micturation and ballooning of the preputium is seen frequently in 2 - 6 months old and 4 years old children in rate of 20.00%. Urinary system infection rate in 6 - 12 months old children is 26.60%. Balanitis rate in 6 - 7 years old children is 15.40%.

Conclusion:

The incomplete pull back of the preputium in infants is normal and frequently encountered entity. Circumcision of the preputium or opening the preputiel orifice is unnecessary in children whose preputium can be pulled back, whose preputiel orifice diameter is over 5 mm, and / or who have no urinary system symptoms.

Keywords: Child, Preputium