Before the age of two, there is no treatment for phimosis but, from the age of five, surgical intervention is possible to allow complete removal of the glans penis.
- We speak of phimosis when the removal of the glans penis is difficult or impossible because the foreskin, that is to say the skin which covers the glans, is too tight or narrow to allow this movement.
- For the vast majority of children, phimosis disappears before the age of five.
- When it does not disappear, treatment with corticosteroids can be offered from the age of two or surgical intervention from the age of five.
Complete removal of the glans penis is possible in only 4% of newborns but in 50% of three-year-old children and 99% of adolescent boys, according to health insurance.
A treatment that is often effective and without side effects
When this uncapping is difficult or impossible because the foreskin (the skin that covers the glans) is too tight or narrow at the tip to allow this movement, we speak of phimosis. For the vast majority of children, phimosis disappears before the age of five.
Before two years of age, there is no treatment for phimosis but, from this age, parents can – in agreement with the doctor – implement a treatment to soften the foreskin and allow the glans to be better removed. So, for four to six weeks, you must apply a cream based on corticosteroids on the foreskin. In the event of failure or recurrence, it is possible to repeat the treatment.
“The effectiveness of this treatment (with local corticosteroids) is variable with 65 to 95% success, with no side effects described, but requires perfect collaboration between parents and children, can we read on the website of the French-speaking Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Urology (SFUPA). If this fails, surgery becomes necessary.”
Two techniques for surgical intervention on the penis
Surgical intervention is only offered from the age of five, with two main operating techniques. The first, called preputial plasty or posthoplasty, aims to widen the prenuptial ring and allow, after the operation, to remove the glans without difficulty. The advantage for the patient is that he retains the foreskin but there is a risk of recurrence. The second surgical technique is circumcision or posthectomy. This involves the complete removal of the foreskin.
“Complications from surgery are rare, explains Dr. Clothide Bonnet, Why doctor. The scar can become infected, requiring local care. The scar may also be painful or unsightly. Bleeding may occur, possibly requiring re-operation. In about 5% of cases, stenosis (narrowing) of the urinary opening appears and must be operated on. In rarer cases, an injury to the glans or urethra may occur during the procedure.”
If there are no complications, complete healing is achieved in two to four weeks depending on health insurance.
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