title: Analysis of shape and retractability of the prepuce in 603 Japanese boys.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujiwara Memorial Hospital, Akita, Japan.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kayaba
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tamura
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kitajima
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fujiwara
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kato
mesh_terms: 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*