Therapeutic retraction of the foreskin in childhood

A retrospective study was conducted of 91 boys who had had a non-retractable but non-fibrosed prepuce treated by retraction under general anaesthesia. Of the 79 boys who had had symptoms, 67 (85%) obtained relief. Twelve of the 91 patients were later circumcised because of continuing problems. Retraction of the foreskin alone is a simple and effective alternative to circumcision in managing most boys with a symptomatic, non-retractable prepuce.