Triple incision to treat phimosis in children: an alternative to circumcision?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the functional and cosmetic results and patient satisfaction after triple incision plasty for phimosis in children.


METHODS
The study included 197 boys who had a triple incision for phimosis (mean age 5.8 years, range 0.25-18). The indications for preputial surgery were recurrent balanoposthitis, ballooning during micturition and severe phimotic stenosis. The results after surgery were assessed using a questionnaire about the child's/parent's satisfaction, and an outpatient follow-up examination for functional and cosmetic preputial appearance.


RESULTS
Of 128 parents/children responding, 108 (84%) were satisfied with the function and 102 (80%) reported a good cosmetic outcome. Triple incision as preputioplasty would be recommended to other parents by 119 (93%) respondents. Ninety-one (71%) of the parents feared disadvantages in their son's later life if the child had been circumcised. The outpatient examination showed an excellent functional and cosmetic outcome in 71 (77%) of the children.


CONCLUSIONS
Triple incision is a simple, fast and safe technique for preputial relief, with good functional and cosmetic results, and was well accepted by the patients.
Fischer-Klein
Ch
Ch
Department of Urology, General Hospital, St. Poelten, Austria.
Rauchenwald
M
M
D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010413:Penis / Q000601:surgery*; D010688:Phimosis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome