Circumcision and Preputioplasty
Treatment Options for Phimosis or Tight Foreskin
Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin, the flap of skin that covers the head of the penis (glans), is removed.
This is the traditional treatment option offered to patients who suffer from a tight foreskin, a condition also known as phimosis.
In selected cases, patients who have mild phimosis and are not keen to undergo circumcision treatment can be offered a preputioplasty, which corrects the phimosis and preserves the foreskin at the same time.
What is a Phimosis?
Phimosis or tight foreskin is a condition of the penis that occurs in some uncircumcised adults and children. If you have phimosis, you can’t pull back (retract) the foreskin (prepuce). Normally, you should be able to pull back your foreskin easily and see the entire glans of your penis.
What are the Symptoms of Phimosis?
The primary symptom of a tight foreskin is that you cannot pull the foreskin back from the glans of your penis. Other symptoms may include discoloration, swelling, pain while peeing or having sex, recurrent genital and/or urinary tract infections, skin lacerations, and bleeding.
What Does a Phimosis Look Like?
If you have a phimosis, it may look like your penis has rings or rubber bands around the tip. Most importantly, you are not capable of pulling back your foreskin.
What is the Main Cause of Phimosis?
Often, skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and lichen sclerosus can cause phimosis. Scar tissue formation due to trauma or recurrent genital infections can also reduce the elasticity of the foreskin and cause phimosis.
What are the Complications of a Tight Foreskin?
Phimosis may render maintaining good hygiene more difficult and this may lead to recurrent foreskin inflammations (posthitis), glans inflammation (balanitis), or foreskin and glans inflammation (balanopostitis). A tight foreskin may also lead to recurrent urinary tract infections. Attempts at retracting the foreskin may become very painful and may lead to foreskin tears and bleeding. Occasionally, the foreskin may remain trapped behind the glans in a condition called paraphimosis, which needs immediate medical intervention. Long-standing phimosis may also increase your risk of developing penile cancer.
Circumcision and Preputioplasty Specialist in the UK
Dr. Giulio Garaffa is an award-winning preputioplasty and circumcision doctor in London, recognised as an opinion leader in complex penile reconstruction, microsurgery, and many other areas. A renowned expert in uro-andrology, he offers advanced approaches to consultations and procedures.
