Urology Mythbusters: are topical corticosteroids effective for treating postcircumcision penile adhesions?

In this edition of Mythbusters, we evaluate the common claim that topical corticosteroids (TCS) can be used for treatment of postcircumcision penile adhesions (PCPA). Although many textbooks and websites of respected pediatric institutions include topical steroids as one of the options for treatment of PCPA, the scientific basis of this claim is unclear and none of the references we found cited any specific sources. In review of the literature, we could find no peer-reviewed studies that support (or even assess) the utility of TCS for PCPA. It appears that the claims regarding TCS may be extrapolations from the demonstrated effectiveness of TCS for phimosis and related problems, although these are different conditions with different etiologies. We conclude that there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of TCS for PCPA. The verdict for this urolegend: 'Debunked.'