Treatment / Operations for Tight Foreskin

Preputioplasty: Overview

Preputioplasty is a surgical procedure performed to treat phimosis (tight foreskin), specifically the pathological type. Unlike circumcision, preputioplasty preserves the foreskin while addressing the tightness and constriction that cause difficulty in retracting the foreskin. This procedure is often considered for patients who wish to retain their foreskin or for those who may not be suitable candidates for circumcision.

Procedure:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is typically placed under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation to ensure comfort during the procedure.
2. Incisions: The surgeon makes one or more incisions on the tight ring of tissue, known as the phimotic ring, that is causing the constriction of the foreskin. These incisions may be placed horizontally or vertically, depending on the surgeon’s preference and the specific case.
3. Foreskin Mobilization: After making the incisions, the surgeon gently separates the tight ring from the underlying tissue, allowing the foreskin to be more flexible and retractable.
4. Sutures or Stitches: In some cases, the surgeon may use sutures to close the incisions made during the procedure. The type of sutures used can vary, and they may be absorbable or non-absorbable, depending on the surgeon’s preference.
5. Post-operative Care: After the procedure, the patient is provided with post-operative care instructions, which may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and applying prescribed ointments or creams to aid healing.

Advantages:

• Preputioplasty preserves the foreskin, maintaining the natural appearance of the penis.
• It allows for better foreskin retraction and hygiene while preserving erogenous tissue.
• Reduced risk of complications compared to circumcision.
• Shorter recovery time compared to circumcision.

Disadvantages:

• Preputioplasty may not be suitable for severe cases of phimosis, where circumcision might be the only viable option.
• In some cases, there is a possibility of recurrence, but it is generally less common than with other conservative treatments.

It’s essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional or urologist to discuss the benefits, risks, and suitability of preputioplasty for individual cases of phimosis. The surgeon will evaluate the severity of phimosis and the patient’s specific circumstances to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

As for the images, you can find illustrations and medical images of preputioplasty by searching on medical websites or textbooks. These images will give you a visual representation of the procedure and its various steps.

Circumcision: Overview

Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin, the retractable skin covering the head (glans) of the penis, is partially or completely removed. It is one of the oldest known surgical procedures performed for cultural, religious, and medical reasons for thousands of years. Circumcision is practised in various communities and countries around the world.

Procedure:

Circumcision can be performed on infants, children, adolescents, or adult males. The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: The patient is prepared for the procedure, which may include administering anaesthesia, depending on the patient’s age and the surgeon’s preference.
2. Foreskin Exposition: The surgeon retracts the foreskin to expose the glans.
3. Foreskin Removal: The surgeon carefully removes the foreskin using specialized surgical instruments. The removal method may vary, but commonly used techniques include the Gomco clamp, the Plastibell device, or the Mogen clamp.
4. Hemostasis and Closure: After the foreskin is removed, the surgeon may use sutures or other techniques to stop bleeding and close the wound.

Types of Circumcision:

There are various methods and styles of circumcision practised worldwide, including:

1. Conventional Circumcision: In this method, the foreskin is removed entirely, exposing the entire glans.
2. Partial Circumcision: Also known as a “dorsal slit,” only a portion of the foreskin is removed, allowing the glans to be partially exposed.
3. High and Low Circumcision: These terms refer to how much skin is removed relative to the frenulum’s position, the sensitive tissue band on the underside of the penis.

Reasons for Circumcision:

1. Religious and Cultural Reasons: Circumcision is an essential ritual in certain religious practices, such as Judaism and Islam. In some cultures, it is considered a traditional rite of passage.
2. Health and Hygiene: Circumcision may reduce the risk of certain genital infections and sexually transmitted diseases. It can also make genital hygiene easier for some individuals.
3. Medical Indications: In some cases, circumcision may be recommended to treat specific medical conditions, such as recurrent balanitis (inflammation of the glans) or phimosis (tight foreskin).

Advantages:

• Reduced risk of urinary tract infections in infancy.
• Lower risk of penile cancer.
• Lower risk of certain sexually transmitted infections, including HIV in high-risk populations.
• Easier genital hygiene for some individuals.
• Preventative measures against certain medical conditions.

Disadvantages:

• Potential complications from surgery include bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anaesthesia.
• Discomfort or pain during the healing process.
• Removal of the foreskin’s erogenous tissue.

Conclusion:

Circumcision is a significant decision that involves cultural, religious, and medical considerations. It is essential for parents or individuals considering circumcision to thoroughly discuss the procedure with a qualified healthcare professional to understand the potential benefits and risks based on their specific circumstances. The decision to perform circumcision should always be made based on informed consent and medical necessity, if applicable.

Please note that we only perform Circumcision for clinical reasons, not for religious, cultural or convenience reasons.