Circumcision for phimosis: a follow-up study

All 117 boys circumcized for phimosis during one year at the Department of Pediatric Surgery in Lund were subject to a follow-up study five years postoperatively. In 45 cases the main operative indication was recurrent balanitis, in 25 cases scarring of the prepuce and in 41 cases an expressed ballooning at voiding. Early operative complications included 7 cases of postoperative haemorrhage which in 1 case necessitated reoperation. In 1 case there was a postoperative infection. 13/117 patients developed a stricture of the urethral orifice necessitating meatotomy. The study included a questionnaire which was answered by 97/117 patients, 92 of whom expressed complete satisfaction with the operation. The complaints of the others were cosmetic in nature. There was in no instance any sign of more severe psychological disorder than a certain shyness which was expressed in 8 cases. It is concluded that circumcision for phimosis in young boys is complicated by meatal stenosis in a certain frequency (13/117) but not loaded with serious complications. There seems to be no reason to fear psychological disturbances due to circumcision.