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Preputial cyst in the newborn: A case report from Africa
Olumide Abiodun Elebute1, Muyiwa D Komolafe2, A O Akinjo3
1Department of Surgery, Paediatric Surgery Unit, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Insights
Preputial cysts, rare benign foreskin lesions, can cause parental anxiety in neonates. Circumcision effectively treats these cysts, with universal practice in Africa potentially explaining fewer reported cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Dermatology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Preputial cysts are uncommon benign cystic lesions of the foreskin.
- Most documented cases originate from Asian literature, with few reports from Africa.
Observation:
- A case of a preputial cyst in a neonate presented due to parental concern.
- Clinical evaluation identified the cyst, external urethral meatus, and glans.
Findings:
- A freehand circumcision technique facilitated complete cyst excision.
- This technique ensured clear visualization of the surgical field, minimizing injury risk.
Implications:
- Circumcision is an effective treatment for preputial cysts.
- The high prevalence of circumcision in Africa may contribute to the rarity of reported cases.
- This case may represent the first reported benign epithelioid preputial cyst from Africa.
Abstract:
Cysts of the prepuce are rare, and documented reports from the English literature are mostly from Asia. Presentations in children are worrisome to the parents. We report a case of a preputial cyst occurring in a neonate who was brought to our facility due to parental anxiety. After a thorough clinical evaluation, a freehand circumcision technique was performed which allowed exposure of the full extent of the cyst, the external urethral meatus and the glans, thus ensuring complete excision and minimising the risk of injury to the adjoining structures. We postulate that preputial cysts are rare in Africa due to the universality of circumcision, which is one of the options of treatment. Preputial cysts are benign foreskin cystic lesions that can be effectively treated with circumcision. This is probably the first reported case of a benign epithelioid preputial cyst from Africa. The paucity of reported cases may be due to the universal practice of circumcision in most of Africa.
