Progressive hair coil penile tourniquet syndrome: multicenter experience with 25 cases

Penile hair tourniquet syndrome is an uncommon syndrome characterized by progressive penile strangulation by a hair tie. Complications reported include urethrocutaneous fistula, complete urethral transection, penile gangrene, and penile amputation. Prevention of such major complications depends on awareness of the etiology and presence of a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis.

Twenty-five children presenting with different degrees of hair coil penile strangulation syndrome have been operated on in the period from 2000 to 2007 in 2 tertiary care centers in the city of Alexandria. Eighteen boys had complete transection of the urethra at the coronal sulcus. Seven boys had partial transection of the ventral wall of the urethra at the coronal sulcus. Repair of the penis was done in all children in a single stage.

The mean age of boys is 3 years and 9 months (2-5 years). The mean follow-up is 20.7 (6-48) months. Urethral catheter was left for a mean of 5.5 (4-7) days. In the mean follow-up period, we had 4 complications in the form of 2 tiny urethrocutaneous fistulas and 2 anastomotic urethral strictures. The fistulae were closed surgically after the primary surgery by 1 year in the 2 cases, with no recurrence. Urethral strictures were managed by endoscopic visual urethrotomy, with no recurrence.

Penile tourniquet syndrome can cause serious penile complications. Awareness of this rare syndrome can help in preventing such complications. Being familiar with the surgical reconstruction guarantees high success rate.