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Updated: Dec 31, 2025

Microscopic Replantation of Penile Glans Amputation Due to Circumcision
Published on: June 3, 2022
'An insight into circumcised men seeking foreskin reconstruction: a prospective cohort study'
M Özer1,2,3, Floyd W Timmermans4,5,6
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.ozer@amsterdamumc.nl.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to present a cohort of men seeking assistance with foreskin reconstruction, with the objective to broaden the general understanding for this specific request. All men between January 2015 and May 2019 seeking assistance with foreskin reconstruction were included. We prospectively collected data on patient demographics and outcomes such as their motivations, treatment trajectory, and experiences. A total of 11 patients were identified and included (age range 20-62). The majority were circumcised during adulthood for medical reasons. Among the most prominent motivations to pursue reconstruction were experiencing impairment of body integrity, feeling mutilated, increasing glans sensitivity and having issues with an imposed cultural or religious identity. Most patients stated that they experienced little support from healthcare professionals and that the Internet was their main source of information. Furthermore, almost all patients practiced penile tissue stretching to reconstruct the foreskin with unregistered devices. Foreskin reconstruction is a scarcely reported topic and is sought out for different reasons. Although rare, these patients experience a heavy burden and will go to great lengths to reconstruct their foreskin, more often so without the involvement of healthcare professions. In contrary to the surgical treatment options, the nonsurgical methods seem promising, but these rely heavily on lay-sources found online.
Insights
Men seeking foreskin reconstruction often feel mutilated and lack medical support, relying on the internet for information and using non-surgical methods like penile tissue stretching.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Psychology
Background:
- Foreskin reconstruction is a rarely discussed topic.
- Adult circumcision for medical reasons can lead to a desire for reconstruction.
- Patient experiences and motivations are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a cohort of men seeking foreskin reconstruction.
- To understand patient motivations and treatment experiences.
- To broaden the general understanding of this specific request.
Main Methods:
- Prospective data collection from January 2015 to May 2019.
- Inclusion of all men seeking foreskin reconstruction assistance.
- Analysis of patient demographics, motivations, treatment trajectory, and experiences.
Main Results:
- Eleven men (aged 20-62) were included, most circumcised in adulthood for medical reasons.
- Motivations included body integrity, mutilation feelings, glans sensitivity, and cultural/religious identity issues.
- Patients reported limited healthcare support, used the internet for information, and practiced penile tissue stretching with unregistered devices.
Conclusions:
- Foreskin reconstruction is sought for diverse reasons, often without healthcare professional involvement.
- Patients experience significant distress and pursue reconstruction extensively.
- Non-surgical methods show promise but rely on online, lay-sourced information.
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