Factors influencing satisfaction with male circumcision in Taiwan.

We aimed to investigate patient satisfaction with male circumcision in Taiwan. An online, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study involving 376 circumcised men 20 to 40 years of age in Taiwan was conducted. Circumcision-related satisfaction was defined as a visual analogue scale score ≥ 6 (range, 1-10). Pearson's chi-square test was performed to compare differences between satisfied and unsatisfied participants. Factors predictive of participant satisfaction were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Among 376 circumcised men, 249 (66.2%) reported satisfaction with circumcision. Satisfied participants had higher levels of education, underwent circumcision for phimosis or balanitis, underwent circumcision during adulthood, reported a larger penile size, and had fewer long-term complaints. Furthermore, 89.4% had various long-term complaints, including skin colour mismatch, changes in masturbation methods, hypertrophic scarring, excessive shortening of the prepuce, and redundant prepuce. Multivariate analysis revealed that adult circumcision and the absence of long-term conditions were predictive of satisfaction. Two-thirds of participants were satisfied with their circumcision outcome, especially those who underwent circumcision for phimosis or balanitis during adulthood. Proper preoperative patient selection and postoperative symptom prevention would improve patient satisfaction.

Incidence of circumcision among insured adults in the United States.

PURPOSE: Although circumcision is the most commonly performed surgery in males, less is known about the incidence and indications of adult circumcision. In this study, we aim to present the incidence of adult circumcision across the United States. METHODS: Using IBM MarketScan® Commercial Database from 2015 to 2018, we obtained claims for circumcision in men between 18 and 64 years of age. We calculated the incidence of adult circumcision over the study period and across the United States. We also collected data on indications for surgery using International Classification of Diseases codes. RESULTS: We identified a total of 12,298 claims for adult circumcisions. The mean age was 39 (±12.9) years. The average incidence rates remained relatively constant from 98.1 per 100,000 person-years in 2015 to 98.2 per 100,000 person-years in 2018 (Δ+0.1%). The age-standardized incidence rates varied significantly across the United States (from 0 to 194.8 per 100,000 person-years) with South Dakota having the highest rate. The most common indications for adult circumcision were phimosis (52.5%), routine/ritual circumcision (28.7%), phimosis + balanitis/balanoposthitis (6.8%), balanitis (3.8%) and balanoposthitis (2.6%), and significantly varied by age groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggested a wide geographic variation in rates of adult circumcision between states with highest incidences in the Northeast United States. Future studies can identify the underlying causes for the observed variations.

Indications for adult circumcision: a contemporary analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Circumcision is the most common surgical procedure performed worldwide. However, there is a dearth of literature regarding medical indications for adult circumcisions. Here, we describe our experience with adult circumcision and contemporary demographics, indications and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all circumcisions performed in our institution between July 2008 and January 2015. Patient demographics, procedure indications and postoperative complications were recorded, and patients were grouped by age as either less than 50 years old or 50 years and older. RESULTS: A total of 202 charts were reviewed. The most common indications for circumcision were phimosis (46.5%), dyspareunia (17.8%), balanitis (14.4%), and concurrent phimosis and balanitis (8.9%). Older patients were more likely to undergo circumcision for concurrent phimosis and balanitis or cancer, whereas younger patients sought circumcision for dyspareunia. The complication rate was 3.5% and there was no significant difference in complication rates between the two age groups. CONCLUSION: Circumcision is performed in the adult population for a variety of reasons. Circumcision remains a safe surgical option for patient management with a low complication rate.

Circumcision as treatment for Zoon's balanitis in an HIV-positive teenage patient.

In this report we describe a case of the Zoon's balanitis in a boy with HIV (AIDS B2). The clinical presentation, failure of topical treatment, cure by circumcision, and the histopathology findings are presented.

[Balanitis xerotica obliterans with phimosis in elderly patients presenting with difficulty in urination].

Eight elderly patients (average age 76.1±4.3 years) with balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) accompanied by phimosis presented with difficulty in urination. Preoperative average international prostate symptom score, average maximum urinary flow rate, and average volume of residual urine were 20.7±6.3 points (n＝8), 5.1±3.6 ml/s (n＝5), and 85.4±77.3 ml (n＝8), respectively. Some of the patient's complaints, such as severe dribbling of urine, urinary stream division, and ballooning of the foreskin, were not included in the items of the major questionnaire on urination. Dorsal incision and circumcision was performed in all patients, and all were pathologically diagnosed with BXO. Meatoplasty was performed in one patient with a meatal stenosis. No coexistence of penile cancer was observed. Statistically significant improvements were observed in subjective and objective findings after treatment. In conclusion, BXO with phimosis in elderly patients should be considered as a cause of lower urinary tract symptoms.

Lichen sclerosus and atopy in boys: coincidence or correlation?

BACKGROUND: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a sclerosing skin disease of presumably autoimmune origin affecting mainly the anogenital area. The aetiology is not completely understood. Comorbidity between genital LS and atopy in girls has been described but so far no controlled study has been performed. OBJECTIVES: A prospective epidemiological case-control study was designed to clarify if there is comorbidity between genital LS and atopic skin diathesis (AD) in boys. METHODS: The study included a total of 92 boys aged between 1 and 17 years. The disease group consisted of 48 boys who underwent surgery for phimosis that was histologically confirmed as LS. The control group included 44 boys who were circumcised for phimosis for other medical reasons. Both groups were examined and the parents were interviewed following the criteria of the validated Diepgen atopy score. Patients with a score > 9 were assumed to have AD. RESULTS: Within the LS group (median age 8·7 years) 12 boys were diagnosed with AD (25%), while there were only three boys with AD (7%) in the control group (median age 5·3 years). The difference was significant using an age-adjusted logistic regression (P < 0·05). Prior to our study nine boys of the LS group (19%) and four boys of the control group (9%) had already been diagnosed with AD. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated a significant comorbidity between LS and AD in boys. AD seems to be a priming precondition for the development of LS in boys.

Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis from Pseudomonas aeruginosa: reconsidering traditional risk factors and symptoms in the elderly patient.

A high-functioning 82-year-old man presented with lower lumbar pain and pubic tenderness. On admission he was afebrile with a normal white count. A grossly elevated C reactive protein was noted. CT scan of the pelvis showed a fluid collection anterior to the pubic symphysis and to the right of the midline measuring 2.0 × 2.2 cm. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cultured from the fluid collection. The patient had no history of intravenous drug use, pelvic surgeries, malignancies or trauma. We report what we believe is the first documented case of P aeruginosa infection of the pubic symphysis in an elderly patient that did not have any of the traditional risk factors associated with neither P aeruginosa septic arthritis nor infections of the pubic symphysis. Instead, we propose that phimosis with chronic infection of the foreskin and balanitis may have led to septic arthritis.

Simplificación del tratamiento quirúrgico del pene oculto / Simplification of the surgical treatment of a hidden penis

Introducción: El tratamiento del pene oculto consiste en llevar a cabo una exteriorización completa del cuerpo del pene, que resulte efectiva desde el punto de vista funcional y estético. Pacientes y métodos: A lo largo de 15 meses (febrero de 2008 a mayo de 2009) hemos tratado 7 niños (edad media: 4,6 años) con pene oculto (5 con pene enterrado, uno palmeado y otro atrapado) con la reconstrucción de Borsellino modificada mediante incisión en «S» en la parte dorsal. En un paciente se realizó lipectomía púbica a través de la misma incisión. La indicación quirúrgica fue por motivos estéticos en todos los casos, fimosis secundaria en 4, balanitis de repetición en uno y dolor en otro. Resultados: La estancia hospitalaria fue de 24 horas. Con un seguimiento a corto plazo (1-12 meses) las complicaciones detectadas fueron: recidiva parcial, linfedema posquirúrgico y cicatriz hipertrófica, cada una de ellas en un caso. Pacientes y padres se encuentran satisfechos con el resultado. Conclusiones: La técnica que presentamos consigue un buen resultado cosmético y presenta pocas complicaciones inmediatas. La sustitución de las dos incisiones dorsales por una sola en «S» permite lipectomía simultánea sin nueva incisión (AU)

Introduction: The treatment of a hidden penis consists of completely and effectively exteriorizing the penile shaft from a functional and aesthetic point of view. Patients and methods: Over a period of 15 months (02/2008-05/2009), we treated 7 children (mean age 4.6 years) with hidden penis (five had a buried penis, one had a webbed penis and another a trapped penis) using the Borsellino reconstruction technique modified with an ‘‘S’’ dorsal incision. We performed a pubic lipectomy in one patient through the same incision. Surgical indication was for aesthetic reasons in all the cases, secondary phimosis in four, repeated balanitis in one and pain in another. Results: Hospital stay was 24 hours. With a short-term follow-up (1-12 months), we detected the following complications: partial recurrence, post-surgical lymphedema and hypertrophic scarring, each of them in one case. Patients and parents were satisfied with the result. Conclusions: The technique that we present achieves good cosmetic results and has few immediate complications. The substitution of the two dorsal incisions with one ‘‘S’’ incision allows simultaneous lipectomy without the need for another incision (AU)

[Foreskin surgery]. / Esinahan kirurgia.

Balanitis, phimosis and foreskin adhesions are common indications for foreskin surgery during childhood. In phimosis, the foreskin cannot be drawn behind the glans penis because of the narrow external opening of the former. It is important to be able to distinguish between physiologic and pathologic phimosis, since their treatment is different. In adulthood, the need for surgery can be caused by phimosis, a difficult sequel of paraphimosis, recurrent inflammations of the glans penis and foreskin, diseases and cancers of the skin as well as difficulties at intercourse due to the shortness of the frenulum of the prepuce of the penis.

[Urethoplasty in balanitis xerotica obliterans. Technical variation]. / Uretroplastia en balanitis xerótica obliterante. Modificación técnica.

OBJECTIVE: We propose a modification to urethroplasty for stricture due to lichen sclerosus (balanitis xerotica obliterans). METHODS: We combine two-stage bucal mucosa graft and onlay ventral island flap. RESULTADOS/CONCLUSIONES: This technique offers enlargement of the graft with the island flap and removal of the pathological skin.

[Which paediatric urological procedures can be performed in a general hospital?]. / Was ist an kinderurologischen Eingriffen in einem Versorgungskrankenhaus machbar?

Principally, surgical procedures in children should be performed in specialized pediatric centers. Some minor procedures on older children could eventually take place in general hospitals, provided that pediatric medical and nursing competence is available. Adequate infrastructure and an environment appropriate for children are required as well. The comfort of therapy in an adjacent general hospital should not lead to an increased risk for the child. Principles of clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies of frequent pediatric urological entities are described and discussed in this article.

Aplicación de la tecnología láser en las lesiones de genitales / Application of laser technology to genital lesions

El empleo del láser en urología ha presentado un avance significativo y en la actualidad es empleado en una gran variedad de patologías. El desarrollo de los diferentes tipos de láser, el empleo de diferentes tipos de longitudes de onda, los sistemas de fibra óptica, la precisión y la reducción del coste han hecho mejorar la tecnología del láser, y extender y potenciar sus indicaciones. Los diversos tipos de láser de los que disponemos en la actualidad, suponen una excelente alternativa terapéutica en el tratamiento de diversas patologías benignas, pre-malignas y malignas localizadas en los genitales, con excelentes resultados estéticos y funcionales, y con una reducida morbilidad. El objetivo de esta trabajo es proporcionar las indicaciones clínicas más importantes y aplicaciones con el láser más novedosas en las lesiones genitales (AU)

The use of laser applications in urology has undergone significant advances and is now used in a wide variety of procedures. Improvements in types of lasers, the wavelength of energy used, optical fiber delivery systems, precision of laser applications and cost reduction have served to further improve laser technology and extend the potential applications. The different types of lasers available at the present time appear to be an alternative treatment modality with excellent cosmetic and functional results and low morbidity in the treatment of benign, pre-malignant and malignant lesions in the genital area. The objective of this article is to provide an update on the most important clinical and experimental advancements therapeutic applications of lasers in genital lesions (AU)

Long standing balanitis xerotica obliterans resulting in renal impairment in a child.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is the most common cause of pathological phimosis in boys. Presented here is the case of a previously well 13-year-old boy who developed obstructive renal impairment (serum creatinine = 190 micromol/l) at least in part from phimosis due to BXO. A circumcision and, 2.5 months later, meatal dilatation were done. Nine months after his initial presentation, his serum creatinine returned to a permanently elevated nadir of 119 mumol/l. Presentation with the complications of phimosis can be delayed in teenage boys because they may feel embarrassed to come forward. Circumcision remains the definitive treatment of BXO induced phimosis though if the penile meatus is involved, more complex surgery is sometimes required. Topical steroids are useful for residual disease. Follow-up is very important due to the frequent involvement of the skin of the glans. In the very long term there is an increased chance of penile malignancy, which can occur even after circumcision.

Penile carcinoma arising in balanitis xerotica obliterans.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is an uncommon cancer, though in one study it accounted for 90% of all penile cancers. Its association with balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a rare though recognized occurrence. We describe a case of a 46-year-old Caucasian male who first presented to our open-access clinic with a mild phimosis. An elective circumcision was performed and histological examination of the circumcision specimen showed BXO. He was lost to follow-up but re-presented three years later with a persistent tender penile ulcer which on biopsy showed no obvious sinister pathology. He returned a further two years later with a short history of bleeding from the ulcer, and another biopsy now confirmed penile squamous cell carcinoma. Our case emphasizes the importance of regular review of patients with BXO, in particular those with persistent symptoms.

Plasma cell balanitis: clinicopathologic study of 112 cases and treatment modalities.

BACKGROUND: Plasma cell balanitis or Zoon's balanitis is an idiopathic benign condition of the genitalia that mostly presents as a solitary, persistent plaque on the glans primarily in uncircumcised, middle-aged to older men. METHODS: One hundred twelve patients with a clinical diagnosis of plasma cell balanitis were studied between January 1985 and April 2003. RESULTS: The age of the patients ranged from 24 to 70 years. The majority of patients had symptoms for more than 12 months. Lesions involved the prepuce and glans in the majority of patients (66; 58.92%), the prepuce only in 26 patients (23.21%), and the glans only in 20 patients (17.85%). Tissue for histopathology was available in 96 patients. Histologically, epidermal edema, a dense upper dermal band of chronic inflammatory cells, including many plasma cells, dilated capillaries, extravasated red blood cells, and hemosiderin deposition, was seen. In most, cases, plasma cell balanitis was successfully treated by circumcision. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes our experience with plasma cell balanitis and reviews its clinical and histopathologic aspects. The treatment modalities are also reviewed, and the importance of circumcision as the treatment of choice is emphasized.

Balanitis xerotica obliterans in boys.

PURPOSE: Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) is a chronic dermatitis of unknown etiology most often involving the glans and prepuce but sometimes extending into the urethra. We report our 10-year experience with BXO in pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our pathology database was queried for all tissue diagnoses of BXO from 1992 to 2002. Available charts were reviewed and patient presentation, clinical and referral history, operative procedure(s) and postoperative course were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients had a tissue confirmed diagnosis of BXO. Median patient age was 10.6 years. Of the patients 85% were 8 to 13 years old and all had referrals available for review. The most common referral diagnoses were phimosis (52%), balanitis (13%) and buried penis (10%). No patient had the diagnosis of BXO at referral. Of the patients 19 (46%) underwent curative circumcision or redo circumcision and had no recurrence at a mean followup of 12.5 months (range 1 to 57). A total of 11 patients (27%) had BXO involvement of the meatus and underwent circumcision combined with meatotomy or meatoplasty. Nine patients (22%) required extensive plastic operation(s) of the penis, including buccal mucosa grafts in 2. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BXO in pediatric patients may be higher than previously reported, with the diagnosis rarely made by pediatricians. Our study demonstrates that older patients, those with BXO involvement of the meatus and those with a history of surgery for BXO tend to have a more severe and morbid clinical course.