title: The inconspicuous penis in children.
abstract: The term 'inconspicuous penis' refers to a group of anatomical abnormalities in which the penis looks smaller than is expected. Micropenis can be defined as 'true micropenis'--which results from a defect in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis--and 'micropenis secondary to congenital anatomical anomalies of the surrounding and overlying structures'--also known as 'concealed penis'. The different forms of concealed penis include webbed penis, congenital megaprepuce and partially hidden penis caused by prepubic adiposity. This disorder can also have iatrogenic causes resulting from adhesions that are secondary to circumcision--this type of concealed penis is known as 'trapped penis'. However, in both groups, micropenis is defined as a stretched penile length that is at least 2.5 SD below the mean for the patient's age, but without any other penile defects. Patients with true micropenis can be managed with testosterone, which has demonstrated good penile elongation results in the long term. Surgery also has a pivotal role in reconstruction for elongating the penis and for correction of anatomical abnormalities in concealed penis.
authors: Department of Science for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo, Via Alfonso Giordano 3, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
authors: Marcello
authors: M
authors: Cimador
authors: Department of Science for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo, Via Alfonso Giordano 3, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
authors: Pieralba
authors: P
authors: Catalano
authors: Department of Science for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo, Via Alfonso Giordano 3, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
authors: Rita
authors: R
authors: Ortolano
authors: Department of Science for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care, University of Palermo, Via Alfonso Giordano 3, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Giuffrè
mesh_terms: D002944:Circumcision, Male / Q000009:adverse effects; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008022:Ligaments / Q000196:embryology; D008297:Male; D010413:Penis / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000196:embryology / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000235:genetics