Recent advances in understanding urethral lichen sclerosus
Altaf Mangera1, Nadir Osman1, Christopher Chapple1
1Department of Urology Research, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK.
F1000Research
|February 27, 2016
Summary
Lichen sclerosus in males is serious. Long-term data show circumcision may not cure preputial lichen sclerosus, and surgical treatments like urethroplasty can recur, requiring extended follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Dermatology
- Andrology
Background:
- Lichen sclerosus (LS) is an inflammatory skin condition with significant impact on male genitalia.
- The long-term prognosis and optimal management of male genital LS remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the natural history and long-term outcomes of lichen sclerosus affecting the male genitalia.
- To evaluate the efficacy of current treatment modalities, including circumcision and reconstructive surgery.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of long-term patient follow-up data.
- Review of recent literature on male genital lichen sclerosus management and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Recent long-term data suggest circumcision may not be a curative treatment for LS limited to the prepuce.
- Recurrences of LS have been observed even after surgical interventions such as urethroplasty and perineal urethrostomy.
Conclusions:
- Extended follow-up is crucial for patients with male genital lichen sclerosus, even after surgical treatment.
- The curative potential of circumcision for preputial LS requires re-evaluation based on long-term data.
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