Incidence of asymptomatic meatal stenosis in children following neonatal circumcision

To determine the incidence of meatal stenosis after neonatal circumcision.

Male children (5-10 years old) who had been circumcised during the neonatal period and presented at our pediatric clinic for reasons other than urinary complaints were examined and interviewed regarding urination problems.

Of the 132 cases, 27 (20.4%) had severe meatal stenosis (diameter < 5 F). Thickening of the bladder and bilateral hydronephrosis (pyelocaliceal) were found in three cases (11.1%), and a voiding cystourethrogram was performed to reveal vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). One patient had grade II VUR in his right kidney and grade III in his left kidney; another had grade II VUR in both his kidneys.

These results highlight the importance of follow-up genital examination for all male children who have been circumcised during the neonatal period, to detect possible meatal stenosis.