Analysis of shape and retractability of the prepuce in 603 Japanese boys.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluated preputial development in Japanese boys.


METHODS
Preputial retractability and formation of a tight ring were evaluated in 603 Japanese boys 0 to 15 years old.


RESULTS
The incidence of a completely retractable prepuce gradually increased from 0% at age 6 months to 62.9% by 11 to 15 years, while that of a tight ring decreased with age from 84.3 to 8.6%. Nine boys had balanoposthitis but none had a symptomatic urinary tract infection.


CONCLUSIONS
Incomplete separation of the prepuce is common and normal in neonates and infants, and preputial separation progresses until adolescence. Awareness of these findings will eliminate unnecessary circumcision in boys.
Kayaba
H
H
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujiwara Memorial Hospital, Akita, Japan.
Tamura
H
H
Kitajima
S
S
Fujiwara
Y
Y
Kato
T
T
Kato
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D010413:Penis / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*