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Analysis of shape and retractability of the prepuce in 603 Japanese boys
H Kayaba1, H Tamura, S Kitajima
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fujiwara Memorial Hospital, Akita, Japan.
Insights
Preputial separation in Japanese boys is a gradual process, with complete retractability increasing significantly by adolescence. Understanding normal preputial development can help prevent unnecessary infant circumcisions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Human Development
Background:
- Preputial development and retractability are key indicators of penile health in infants and children.
- Understanding the typical progression of preputial separation is crucial for appropriate clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the development of preputial retractability and the incidence of a tight preputial ring in Japanese boys.
- To establish normative data for preputial development in a Japanese pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 603 Japanese boys aged 0 to 15 years.
- Assessment of preputial retractability and the presence of a tight ring.
- Correlation of findings with age.
Main Results:
- The incidence of a completely retractable prepuce increased from 0% at 6 months to 62.9% by 11 to 15 years.
- The occurrence of a tight preputial ring decreased from 84.3% to 8.6% with increasing age.
- Balanoposthitis was observed in nine boys; no symptomatic urinary tract infections were reported.
Conclusions:
- Incomplete preputial separation is a normal finding in neonates and infants, with separation progressing through adolescence.
- These findings support the understanding that preputial development is a natural process.
- Awareness of normal preputial development can aid in reducing unnecessary infant circumcisions.
Purpose:
We evaluated preputial development in Japanese boys.
Materials And Methods:
Preputial retractability and formation of a tight ring were evaluated in 603 Japanese boys 0 to 15 years old.
Results:
The incidence of a completely retractable prepuce gradually increased from 0% at age 6 months to 62.9% by 11 to 15 years, while that of a tight ring decreased with age from 84.3 to 8.6%. Nine boys had balanoposthitis but none had a symptomatic urinary tract infection.
Conclusions:
Incomplete separation of the prepuce is common and normal in neonates and infants, and preputial separation progresses until adolescence. Awareness of these findings will eliminate unnecessary circumcision in boys.
