Algorithmic Approach to the Management of Patients with Adult-acquired Buried Penis Syndrome

Adult-acquired buried penis (AABP) syndrome arises when the phallus becomes buried in the peripubic skin and soft tissues, leading to a cycle of urine trapping, superficial infections, and chronic inflammation. Conservative management with weight loss and topical steroids alone are often insufficient to halt or reverse the detrimental medical and psychosocial effects of AABP. An awareness of common comorbidities, including urethral stricture disease, lichen sclerosus, and penile cancer, is crucial for diagnosis and management of this syndrome. Multiple studies have demonstrated an improvement in adverse medical and psychosocial outcomes with appropriate surgical management. Here, we present an overview of the diagnosis and management of AABP and propose a management algorithm focused on symptomatology, physical examination findings, and the presence of concurrent pathology.