Balanitis xerotica obliterans: an update for clinicians.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a severe, chronic, dermatosis characterised by inflammatory, sclerotic, pruritic lesions that causes significant morbidity in patients of all genders and ages. In boys, the lesions typically affect the foreskin and glans (termed balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO)), leading to phimosis and potentially meatal stenosis. The incidence of the disease is not well reported but the average age of affected boys is 8 years (range 1-16). Diagnosis can often be made clinically, although histological study remains important to rule out important differential diagnoses. Complications include genital scarring, urinary and sexual dysfunction as well as the development of carcinomas in adult life. Circumcision has been regarded as definitive management of BXO in boys, but this may be supplemented with medical therapies such as topical steroids, immune modulators, intralesional triamcinolone and ozonated olive oil. Supportive measures including emollients, avoidance of irritants, surveillance of complications and recurrence as well as education and counselling remain important.Conclusion: BXO remains an important cause of phimosis in boys. The frequency of this condition appears unclear but seems likely to be less than 1% of males. Treatment generally involves circumcision, with some evidence that topical steroids or immunomodulators may decrease the incidence of recurrent meatal stenosis.What is Known:• Surgical circumcision is considered the definitive management of BXO• Many aspects of BXO are still in contention or require further study including the epidemiology and aetiology.What is New:• There is increasing awareness of non-surgical modalities that may be used in adjunct to surgery including topical corticosteroids, immune modulators, intralesional triamcinolone and ozonated olive oil• Awareness of meatal stenosis-related BXO has led to the development of surgical techniques such as preputioplasty as well as buccal mucosal inlay grafts.

Pathophysiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Treatment of Lichen Sclerosus: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate current understanding on the pathophysiological mechanism of genital lichen sclerosus (LS), urologic manifestations, and treatment options. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Medline/PubMed and Embase databases were systematically reviewed for publications pertaining to LS. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, references were assessed for relevance to the pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of LS by title and abstract review by 2 independent reviewers, yielding 186 articles for assessment. RESULTS: The contemporary understanding of the epidemiology and histology of LS is reviewed herein. Additionally, we explore in detail the 3 hypotheses regarding the pathophysiological mechanism contributing to disease presentation: infectious etiology, primary immune dysregulation, and the isotraumatopic response. We summarize the available biological evidence supporting each hypothesis. This discussion provides context for understanding LS morbidity and may spur new avenues of research. For the clinician, we review the clinical presentation of disease, including the risk of progression to squamous cell carcinoma. The current medical and surgical treatment options are also detailed. CONCLUSION: LS remains a potentially insidious disease which may lead to debilitating urinary and sexual dysfunction. Cross disciplinary research should aim for earlier detection, as well as more effective and durable treatment. The exact cause of LS remains unknown.

10 Years' Experience in Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans: A Single-Institution Study.

INTRODUCTION: Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is uncommon in children. Diagnosis of the condition is almost always clinical and supported by histology. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of children undergoing circumcision for BXO and explore the correlation between surgical and histological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10-year retrospective review (2007-2017) of all children, aged 16 and less, undergoing circumcision at a tertiary teaching hospital was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: BXO occurred in 91/1025 (8.9%) children. The highest incidence of BXO was in the 5 to 10 age group (13.3%; p < 0.0001). The commonest symptom was foreskin scarring (62.6%). Intraoperatively, involvement of foreskin alone was seen in 26.4%, foreskin and meatus in 47.2%, and foreskin, meatus, and glans in 26.4%. Preoperatively, 24.2% of patients were prescribed steroid cream. Histologically, all patients showed microscopic changes confirming BXO. A total of 87.9% of patients only had a circumcision, and 11% required a meatal procedure along with the circumcision. Postoperatively, 19.8% of patients required a further procedure after an average duration of 5.8 months (range: 2-12 months); the majority of whom (83.3%) were prescribed postoperative steroid cream. CONCLUSION: Clinical correlation by surgeons has a high degree of accuracy (>90%). Meatal involvement is more common than previously reported. The use of pre- or postoperative steroids does not obviate the need for further surgical procedures. Patients can have recurrent symptoms 1 year following surgery, and prolonged follow-up is necessary.

Does application of topical steroids for lichen sclerosus (balanitis xerotica obliterans) affect the rate of circumcision? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: To determine whether treatment of lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LS), with topical steroids reduces the rate of circumcision. METHODS: Two independent reviewers performed a literature search of studies reporting treatment of LS with topical steroids using EMBASE and MEDLINE database(s). INCLUSION CRITERIA: boys aged 0-18 years, clinical diagnosis of LS, treatment with topical steroids. Literature reviews, studies of phimosis without LS and adult patients were excluded. Data analysed for each paper included age, duration of treatment, length of follow up and outcome, notably circumcision or no surgery. RESULTS: The original search identified 26 titles. Application of exclusion criteria left 6 articles for inclusion in the study. Eighty nine patients with LS were treated with topical corticosteroids. Circumcision was avoided in 31/89 (35%; range 0-100%). Median patient age was 6.5 years (1 month-15 years). Median duration of treatment was 2 months (1-23 months); median follow-up 4 months (6 weeks-5 years). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of LS with topical steroids reportedly avoided circumcision in 35% of boys. Duration of medical therapy and patient follow up in analysed studies were, however, short. A prospective randomised trial would provide a definitive answer. TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

[Clinical and immunohistochemical correlation of balanitis xerotica obliterans]. / Correlación clínica e inmunohistoquímica de la balanitis xerotica obliterans.

AIM: Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a disease of the skin and mucosa of male genitals of unknown etiology that may affect children of any age. It has a low incidence (9-19%) and in adults is considered a potential premalignant lesion. The aim of our study is to establish the incidence of BXO in our center and to determine its correlation between the clinical and immunohistochemical (IHC) findings. METHODS: Prospective cohort including all children < 14 years with foreskin pathology that required a circumcision between 2014-2016. Statistical analysis of the clinical characteristics, histological and IHC findings searching for inflammatory response, premalignant lesions and microbiological findings. RESULTS: A total of 176 boys with phimosis had circumcision with a mean age of 7 ± 3 years (Range 2-14). Presurgical diagnosis of BXO was suspected in 28.4% (n= 50) whereas the AP confirmed a total of 29.5% (n= 53) with a very good interobserver concordance (kappa= 0.81: p< 0.01). Previous treatment with corticoids in BXO was found in 63.5% (n= 33/52). Meatal stenosis was found in 7.69% (n= 4/52) requiring meatal/urethral dilations. Patients with BXO had a T-Lymphocytes CD3+ mediated inflammatory response with a positive correlation between tumor suppressing protein (p53) expression and chronic inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: BXO is a chronic inflammatory disease mediated by T-lymphocytes with an incidence greater than previously reported. Surgeons' criterion has a very good concordance with the AP findings. The elevation of p53 in children with BXO may indicate a plausible malignant potential that may require a surgical treatment (circumcision) and an adequate follow-up.

OBJETIVO: La balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) es una enfermedad de etiología incierta, que afecta a piel y mucosa de genitales masculinos de cualquier edad. La incidencia en niños es baja (9-19%) y en adultos se considera una lesión premaligna. El objetivo de este estudio es establecer la incidencia de BXO en nuestro centro y determinar la correlación entre las características clínicas y los hallazgos inmunohistoquímicos (IHQ). METODOS: Cohorte prospectiva de niños ≤14 años con fimosis circuncidados entre 2014-2016. Análisis estadístico de las características clínicas e histológicas e IHQ para valorar la respuesta inflamatoria, presencia de lesiones premalignas y asociaciones microbiológicas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 176 pacientes circuncidados con una edad media de 7 ± 3 años (rango 2-14 años). La sospecha clínica de BXO, 28,4% (n= 50), se confirmó mediante anatomía patológica en 29,5% (n= 52) con muy buena fuerza de concordancia interobservador (kappa= 0,81: p< 0,01). El 63,5% (n= 33/52) recibieron corticoterapia como tratamiento inicial. El 7,69% (4/52) presentaron estenosis meatal requiriendo dilataciones meatales/uretrales. Los casos de BXO presentaron una respuesta mediada por linfocitos-T: CD3+ (p< 0,01) y correlación positiva con la sobreexpresión de proteína supresora de tumores (p53) (p< 0,01). CONCLUSIONES: BXO es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica mediada por linfocitos-T con una incidencia mayor a la reportada. La concordancia interobservador entre la sospecha de BXO y la confirmación histológica es muy buena. La elevación de p53 en los pacientes con BXO indica un posible potencial maligno que requiere tratamiento quirúrgico (circuncisión) y un seguimiento adecuado.

Correlación clínica e inmunohistoquímica de la balanitis xerotica obliterans / Clinical and immunohistochemical correlation of balanitis xerotica obliterans

Objetivo. La balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) es una enfermedad de etiología incierta, que afecta a piel y mucosa de genitales masculinos de cualquier edad. La incidencia en niños es baja (9-19%) y en adultos se considera una lesión premaligna. El objetivo de este estudio es establecer la incidencia de BXO en nuestro centro y determinar la correlación entre las características clínicas y los hallazgos inmunohistoquímicos (IHQ). Métodos. Cohorte prospectiva de niños ≤14 años con fimosis circuncidados entre 2014-2016. Análisis estadístico de las características clínicas e histológicas e IHQ para valorar la respuesta inflamatoria, presencia de lesiones premalignas y asociaciones microbiológicas. Resultados. Se incluyeron 176 pacientes circuncidados con una edad media de 7 ± 3 años (rango 2-14 años). La sospecha clínica de BXO, 28,4% (n= 50), se confirmó mediante anatomía patológica en 29,5% (n= 52) con muy buena fuerza de concordancia interobservador (κ= 0,81: p<0,01). El 63,5% (n= 33/52) recibieron corticoterapia como tratamiento inicial. El 7,69% (4/52) presentaron estenosis meatal requiriendo dilataciones meatales/uretrales. Los casos de BXO presentaron una respuesta mediada por linfocitos-T: CD3+ (p< 0,01). Conclusiones. BXO es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica mediada por linfocitos-T con una incidencia mayor a la reportada. La concordancia interobservador entre la sospecha de BXO y la confirmación histológica es muy buena. La elevación de p53 en los pacientes con BXO indica un posible potencial maligno que requiere tratamiento quirúrgico (circuncisión) y un seguimiento adecuado (AU)

Aim. Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a disease of the skin and mucosa of male genitals of unknown etiology that may affect children of any age. It has a low incidence (9-19%) and in adults is considered a potential premalignant lesion. The aim of our study is to establish the incidence of BXO in our center and to determine its correlation between the clinical and immunohistochemical (IHC) findings. Methods. Prospective cohort including all children < 14 years with foreskin pathology that required a circumcision between 2014-2016. Statistical analysis of the clinical characteristics, histological and IHC findings searching for inflammatory response, premalignant lesions and microbiological findings. Results. A total of 176 boys with phimosis had circumcision with a mean age of 7 ± 3 years (Range 2-14). Presurgical diagnosis of BXO was suspected in 28.4% (n= 50) whereas the AP confirmed a total of 29.5% (n= 53) with a very good interobserver concordance (κ= 0.81: p < 0.01). Previous treatment with corticoids in BXO was found in 63.5% (n= 33/52). Meatal stenosis was found in 7.69% (n= 4/52) requiring meatal/urethral dilations. Patients with BXO had a T-Lymphocytes CD3+ mediated inflammatory response with a positive correlation between tumor suppressing protein (p53) expression and chronic inflammation. Conclusions. BXO is a chronic inflammatory disease mediated by T-lymphocytes with an incidence greater than previously reported. Surgeons' criterion has a very good concordance with the AP findings. The elevation of p53 in children with BXO may indicate a plausible malignant potential that may require a surgical treatment (circumcision) and an adequate follow-up (AU)

Foreskin Morbidity in Uncircumcised Males.

OBJECTIVE: As a consequence of the discussion on whether the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks and the discrepancies in reported figures of complications, we evaluated the incidence and morbidity of foreskin surgery due to medical indications in boys from the Capital Region of Denmark in 2014. METHODS: Medical records from all boys operated on the foreskin due to medical reasons in the Capital Region in 2014 were reviewed. Patients with hypospadias, ritual circumcision, and redo-surgery because of complications to nontherapeutic circumcision were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients were included. The cumulative risk of undergoing foreskin operation before 18 years of age was 1.7%. Forty patients had histologic verified balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) corresponding to a total risk of 0.37% of developing BXO. Mean age at surgery was 10.1 years (range 1-17). Phimosis was the most frequently reported indication (95.0%). The remaining 5.0% underwent surgery because of frenulum breve causing problems during erection. Before surgery, 27.1% had foreskin-related voiding problems and 17.1% had at least 1 episode of balanitis. Circumcision was initially performed in 44 cases. The remaining 137 patients had a foreskin-preserving operation performed. Nine boys had secondary circumcision after initially having foreskin-preserving operation. Fifty patients initially had preputial histology performed. BXO was verified in 37 patients. Of the 9 patients with redo-surgery due to recurrent phimosis, a further 3 had histologically verified BXO. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood foreskin-related problems in a region with no tradition of newborn male circumcision should not be neglected.

Balanitis xerótica obliterante, patología infradiagnosticada de relevancia clínica / Balanitis xerotica obliterans, underdiagnosed pathology of clinical relevance

Objetivos. La balanitis xerotica obliterante (BXO) es una enfermedad crónica inflamatoria, variante del liquen escleroso, que afecta a los genitales masculinos. Presentamos nuestra incidencia de BXO y una revisión de la literatura. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo descriptivo de pacientes operados de circuncisión entre abril de 2013 y abril 2014 por fimosis persistente a los 4 años, clínica miccional o con la erección. Se enviaron muestras para estudio patológico de aquéllos con sospecha clínica de BXO. Resultados. Se circuncidaron 339 pacientes. La edad media de intervención fue 6,5 años (Mediana 5 y Moda 4). Once casos (3,9%) fueron diagnosticados de BXO, con una edad media de 8,2 años (6-12 años). Se enviaron 16 muestras (5,7%) para análisis anatomopatológico (AP) por sospecha clínica de BXO, 9 presentaban fimosis cicatricial (2 con estenosis del meato uretral), 1 balanitis, 2 fimosis con prepucio o glande descamativo, 1 retención urinaria aguda por balanitis y 1 reestenosis prepucial. En 10 casos se confirmó liquen escleroátrofico, 2 inflamaciones crónicas, 1 patrón liquenoide y otro normal. Tres pacientes precisaron, además, meatotomía. Los pacientes con BXO fueron tratados con corticoides tópicos postcircuncisión en 10 casos. Conclusiones. Nuestra incidencia es baja en relación a la literatura (10-40% según las series) ya que no remitimos a estudio AP el prepucio de forma rutinaria. La sospecha clínica subestima la incidencia real de BXO hasta en 49% según algunos autores. La circuncisión es curativa en la mayoría de los casos con BXO. La BXO además de producir estenosis del meato y alteraciones uretrales, está relacionado con una alta incidencia de carcinoma de pene

Objectives. Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a chronic inflamatory disease, a genital form of Lichen Sclerosus in males. Material and methods. This retrospective and descriptive analysis was carried out by rewiew of the medical records of boys who underwent circumcision from April 2013 to April 2014. The study group consisted of boys that were circumcised due it persistant phimosis at 4 years of age, urinary symptoms or painful erection. The histopathological examination was performed only in patients with clinical suspicion of BXO. Results. 339 patients were circumcised. The mean age of surgery was 6.5 years (Median 5, Mode 4). BXO was confirmed in eleven boys (3.9%) out of 16 biopsies (5.7%), with a mean age of 8.2 years (6-12). Of all the biopsies that were analysed for clinical BXO, 9 had scarring phimosis (2 meatal stenosis), 2 had balanitis and 1 had acute urinary retention, 2 presented descamative foreskin or glands, and 1 had recurrent phimosis. The histopathological examination revealed lichen sclerosus in 10 patients. Meatotomy was performed in 3 boys, one of them in during the follow-up period. 10 patients with BXO were treated with topical corticosteroid cream after circumcision. Conclusions. Our incidence is low in compared to literature (10- 40%) as we did not refer the foreskin routinely to histopathological analysis. The clinical suspicion underestimates the incidence of BXO up to 49%. The circumcision is curative in most cases with BXO. The BXO may produce meatoestenosis and urethral abnormalities, and it is associated with a high incidence of penile carcinoma of the penis

A multi-centre audit on genital lichen sclerosus in the North West of England.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines for the management of genital Lichen sclerosus (LS) have recently been updated. OBJECTIVE: To look at the audit points suggested by the updated guidelines: performance of biopsies in active LS not responding to treatment; clear follow-up arrangements for patients with active disease; patient awareness of need to report suspicious lesions; and use of an appropriate topical steroid regieme. METHOD: Patients with a diagnosis of genital LS seen over the preceding 12 months were identified from eight hospital Trusts. In this study, 194 patients participated, 178 females and 16 males. RESULTS: The diagnosis was purely clinical in 62 patients - the remainder required biopsies. The commonest reason for performing a biopsy was to clarify the diagnosis (116), followed by to rule out malignancy (11). The majority (98%) were offered follow-up after the initial consultation and only 19 patients were discharged to primary care. In this study, 37% patients had documented evidence that a patient information leaflet had been given. 112 were treated with the clobetasol propionate 0.05% regieme quoted in the guideline. CONCLUSION: We conclude biopsies should be done as indicated in the guideline and the reason for biopsy documented. Discharge may be possible at 6 months for stable uncomplicated disease, although this may prove difficult if adequate follow-up arrangements are not available in the community. We advocate that all patients should receive a patient information leaflet and must be made aware of the increased risk of SCC. Topical corticosteroid treatment should be simplied to the regieme documented in the guidelines unless contraindicated.

Balanitis xerótica obliterante: ¿una amenaza permanente? / Obliterant xerotic balanitis, a permanent threat?

La balanitis xerótica obliterante (BXO) es una enfermedad inflamatoria crónica con una incidencia reportada de 10-40 por ciento de las fimosis en la infancia, cuyo diagnóstico va en aumento, posiblemente debido a una mayor sospecha. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es analizar los casos de BXO tratados en nuestro centro y su evolución. Revisión retrospectiva entre los años 2002 y 2012 de pacientes con diagnóstico de BXO confirmado por anatomía patológica. Se analizan datos demográficos, tratamiento médico y quirúrgico, y complicaciones post-operatorias. Se estudió retrospectivamente 26 biopsias con diagnóstico histopatológico de BXO. La edad promedio al momento de la circuncisión fue de 7,5 años (r 6m–15a, mediana 9,5). 16/26 pacientes fueron operados por urólogo infantil, y 10/26 por cirujano infantil. En relación a patologías asociadas, uno tenía una hipospadias, y otro un reflujo vesico-ureteral. Después del procedimiento, 6 pacientes recibieron corticoides tópicos. Dos pacientes presentaron estenosis del meato diagnosticado intra-cirugía que se manejan con dilataciones. Cinco pacientes tuvieron re-estenosis del prepucio, los que fueron sometidos a una segunda cirugía; todos habían sido operados por cirujano infantil inicialmente. El tiempo promedio total de seguimiento fue de 6,9 meses (r 1-36); sin embargo de los pacientes sin re-operación (21/26), el seguimiento promedio por urólogo fue de 7,3 meses y aquellos por cirujano infantil fue de 1,8 meses. En nuestro centro, el diagnóstico de BXO por anatomía patológica sólo se hace ante la sospecha clínica, ya que no todas las fimosis son estudiadas con biopsia; esto impide estimar su real incidencia. En esta serie, en los pacientes donde se realizó circuncisión total (80 por ciento), este fue el tratamiento definitivo sin complicaciones, a pesar que sólo el 23 por ciento de los pacientes recibieron corticoides tópicos post tratamiento...

Xerotic Balanitis (BXO) is a chronic inflammatory disease with a reported 10-40 percent of phimosis incidence in childhood, whose diagnosis is increasing, possibly due to greater suspicion. The aim of our study was to analyze cases of BXO treated in our center and its evolution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective review between 2002 and 2012 of patients diagnosed with pathologically proven BXO. Demographics, medical and surgical treatment, and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: We retrospectively studied 26 biopsies with histopathological diagnosis of BXO. The average age at circumcision was 7.5 years (r 6m-15a, median 9.5). 16/26 of the patients were operated by pediatric urologists, and 10/26 by pediatric surgeons. Regarding comorbidities, one had a hypospadias, and one a vesicoureteral reflux.After the procedure, 6 patients received topical corticosteroids. Two patients had meatal stenosis diagnosed intra-operatively handled with dilations. Five patients had re-stenosis of the foreskin, which underwent a second surgery; pediatric surgeons initially operated all of them. Mean follow-up was 6.9 months (range 1-36), but between patients without re-operation (21/26), the average follow-up was 7.3 months when done by urologist and for those done by pediatric surgeon it was 1.8 months. CONCLUSIONS: In our center, the diagnosis of BXO by antomopathology is done only after clinical suspicion, because not all phimosis are studied with biopsy, for this reason we are unable to estimate its actual incidence. In this series, in all patients where complete circumcision (80 percent) was performed, this was the definitive treatment without complications, even though only 23 percent of patients received topical corticosteroids after treatment. Because little is known about BXO and it has possible future complications, we believe that its management and long-term monitoring should performed by a specialist.

Incidence of balanitis xerotica obliterans in boys younger than 10 years presenting with phimosis.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the true incidence of balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) among boys younger than 10 years. METHODS: In a period of 13 months, 75 boys younger than 10 years were treated for phimosis. Suspicion of BXO was raised in phimosis grade 2 or 3 (classification by Kikiros). Patients were offered primarily either circumcision or conservative therapy and circumcision secondarily (if treatment failed in the conservative group). Each circumcision specimen was examined histopathologically. RESULTS: Circumcision was primarily performed in 29 and secondarily in 17 patients. The mean age was 3.7 years (range 1-10). BXO, chronic inflammation, and normal histological results were found in 8/26/12 (17.4/56.5/26.1%) cases, respectively. The mean follow-up was 8.1 months. No recurrences were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BXO appears to be higher than previously reported. The clinical appearance in children may be confusing. The preoperative BXO suspicion did not correlate with the final histopathological results.

Paediatric balanitis xerotica obliterans: an 8-year experience.

OBJECTIVE: Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO) is rarely described in the paediatric population. We report our 8-year experience, at Harold Wood Hospital, with BXO in circumcised boys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pathological tissue diagnoses of BXO from 1997 to 2005 were extracted from our histopathology database. Patient records were reviewed and demographic features, clinical presentation, referral history, operative procedure(s) and postoperative course were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients had a confirmed tissue diagnosis of BXO. Mean patient age was 9.6 years. The most common referral diagnoses were phimosis (70%), balanitis (25%) and only 2 patients (5%) had a referral diagnosis of BXO. 35 (87%) underwent curative circumcision and had no recurrence at a median follow-up of 13.5 months. A total of 5 patients (15%) had BXO involvement of the meatus and underwent circumcision combined with meatotomy or meatoplasty. No patients required extensive plastic operations of the penis. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BXO in paediatric age group may be higher than previously reported. Early recognition of this condition is important because of the associated urethral stricture formation. Hence, we recommend that all circumcision specimens are sent for histopathological analysis (especially in areas where circumcision is widely practiced for ritual and religious reason) and patients should be followed up appropriately.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans in children and its incidence under the age of 5 years.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the incidence of BXO among paediatric circumcisions for preputial pathology, in particular in children under the age of 5 years. METHODS: Retrospective review revealed 1769 paediatric circumcisions performed between 1997 and 2008 at our institution. Data were collected on patient's age, date when sample received by pathology department and histological findings for all the foreskin samples received and examined during the study period. Epidemiological data were obtained from the Office for National Statistics, UK. RESULTS: A total of 346 foreskin samples were received and BXO was found in 182 (52.6%). There were 31 children under the age of 5 years circumcised for preputial pathology. BXO was reported in 6 (19.3%) and chronic inflammation in 16 (51.6%) of these patients. The foreskin was reported normal in 2 (6.5%) and the remaining 7 (22.6%) patients had preputial cysts or other pathology. Epidemiological population data analysis revealed the incidence of BXO per year to be 3.01 cases/1000 boys under 15 years of age and 0.322 cases/1000 boys under 5 years. CONCLUSION: The incidence of BXO in boys noted in our study is higher than previously reported. BXO can result in significant complications and should be considered in children even under 5 years.

Lichen sclerosus: epidemiological distribution in an equal access health care system.

PURPOSE: The incidence and demographics of lichen sclerosus range from 1/300 (0.3%) to 1/1,000 individuals (0.1%). We analyzed the incidence of lichen sclerosus in an equal access health care system, hypothesizing that it is more common in older white males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the Department of Defense electronic medical record, Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application, to determine the number of unique male patients diagnosed with lichen sclerosus between 2003 and 2009. After removing duplicate visits we determined patient age and race, and the regional distribution and overall incidence of lichen sclerosus. RESULTS: Of the 42,648,923 unique male patients in the electronic medical record in this period 604 were diagnosed with lichen sclerosus (0.0014% or 1.4/100,000 visits). Age distribution was similar in the first 3 decades of life but more than doubled in the fourth through sixth decades with the highest prevalence at ages 61 or older (4.4/100,000 patients diagnosed per 100,000 visits, Pearson chi-square p <0.0001). Race distribution was Asian or Pacific Islander 0.9, black 1.4, other 1.7 and white 2.1 patients diagnosed per 100,000 visits (Pearson chi-square p = 0.003). There was a trend in the regional distribution across the United States, as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services, ranging from 0.3 diagnoses per 100,000 visits in Region 2, New York to 2.2/100,000 in Seattle (Pearson chi-square p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this equal access health care system the incidence of male lichen sclerosus is 1.4 patients per 100,000 visits. It is more common in white men after the third decade of life. There is an association between region and the diagnosis of lichen sclerosus with the highest incidence in the northwestern United States.

Routine biopsies in pediatric circumcision: (non) sense?

OBJECTIVE: At our institute we usually send the foreskin after circumcision for pathological examination. Does this make sense or is it merely medical overconsumption? MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was carried out of all pediatric patients who underwent a circumcision, from August 2005 to January 2008, for persisting pathological phimosis after treatment with topical steroids. Religious circumcisions were excluded. RESULTS: Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) was diagnosed in 37 out of 135 biopsies (27%). In 19 of the 37 boys with pathological evidence of BXO (51%), the physical examination matched the pathology. Meatal stenosis was found in six cases; four were also diagnosed with BXO. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 27% of all biopsies were positive for BXO. The results show that the diagnosis BXO must be based on biopsy, because clinical findings underestimated the incidence of BXO by almost 50%. BXO implies a higher incidence of meatal stenosis, urethral pathology and has a known association with penile carcinoma. We conclude that there is a place for routine biopsy of the foreskin after circumcision for pathological phimosis, taking into account the potential clinical consequences when BXO is diagnosed.