Foreskin neurovascular structure: A histological analysis comparing 0-3 years and 6-11 years children
Tuba Özdemir-Sancı1, Adem Sancı2, Hilal Nakkaş1
1Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Circumcision in early childhood (0-3 years) shows reduced neurovascular structures compared to older children (6-11 years). This suggests earlier circumcision may minimize adverse effects on glans sensitivity and sexual function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Neuroanatomy
- Urology
Background:
- Circumcision is a common procedure globally for various reasons.
- Optimal timing for pediatric circumcision remains a subject of debate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histologically evaluate neurovascular structures in pediatric foreskin samples.
- To compare sensory innervation and arterial diameters between age groups (0-3 and 6-11 years).
- To inform optimal age determination for circumcision based on neurovascular development.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical examination using S100 staining.
- Histological analysis of 54 foreskin samples from children aged 0-3 and 6-11 years.
- Quantification of Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings, free nerve endings, and arterial diameters.
Main Results:
- The 0-3 year age group exhibited significantly lower counts of Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings, and free nerve endings.
- Arterial diameters were also notably smaller in the 0-3 year age group compared to the 6-11 year group.
- These findings indicate reduced neurovascular development in the younger age cohort.
Conclusions:
- Early-life circumcision (0-3 years) may be associated with fewer adverse effects on neurovascular structures.
- The study supports performing circumcision at an earlier age to potentially preserve glans sensitivity and sexual function.
- Neurovascular development in the foreskin is less mature in infants and toddlers.
Background:
Circumcision is a surgical operation that is frequently performed throughout the world due to religious, cultural, and medical reasons. The best age for circumcision is still debatable, with different procedures depending on geography, culture, and surgeon preference.
Objective:
This study aims to immunohistochemical examination using S100 staining and histologically evaluate the neurovascular structures in foreskin samples obtained from children aged 0-3 years and 6-11 years. The goal is to provide guidance in determining an appropriate age for circumcision based on these data.
Study Design:
Concerns regarding potential effects on glans sensitivity and sexual function led to the investigation and comparison of sensory innervation in the foreskin of children aged 0-3 and 6-11 years, a total 54 samples, divided into pre-phallic (0-3 years) and post-phallic (6-11 years) groups, were examined. The mean number of Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings, free nerve endings and the diameters of arteries were investigated.
Results:
Our findings show that compared to the 6-11 age group, the 0-3 age group had considerably lower sensory innervation in terms of, Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings and free nerve endings. Additionally, the diameter of arteries was noticeably smaller in the 0-3 age group.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, this study supports the idea that circumcision performed in the early years of life may be associated with less adverse effects on neurovascular structures.
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