What is a Buried Penis in Children?

Buried Penis; It is a condition in which the penis cannot be seen outside the body surface due to an anomaly in the fat tissue around it or in the skin surrounding the penis. It means a penis that is not visible outside due to excessive fat or excessive smallness. In a buried penis, the length of the penis is normal but hidden within the body surface. It should not be confused with congenital small penis size.

What Causes Buried Penis?

Buried Penis is usually congenital, that is, congenital, and sometimes it occurs as a complication of improper circumcision.

Problems with the skin and fat layers surrounding the developing penis; In other words, it is caused by excess fat tissue around the penis or not enough skin on the part of the penis close to the scrotum. Sometimes it is caused by anomalies in the ligaments that attach the penis to the pelvic bones.

What kind of problems does a hollow penis cause if left untreated?

It causes problems with urination, especially not being able to urinate standing up. Urine accumulates between the foreskin and normal skin and causes infections. These infections can cause balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin) or severe and recurrent urinary tract infection.

• Pain or difficulty urinating (dysuria)
• Difficulty directing urinary flow due to difficulty holding the penis
• Embarrassment in the locker room
• Difficulty with proper hygiene
• Problems with erection and sexual intercourse in adulthood, some psychological problems

How is a small penis diagnosed?

It is usually suspected by the family's small penis and diagnosed by physical examination of the physician. A good and systemic examination is required and it should definitely be separated from the small penis we call micro penis.

How is the treatment of a hollow penis done?

The treatment of a true hollow penis is surgical correction. In obese children, weight correction contributes to treatment. However, weight loss is not the real cure for an engorged penis. The real treatment is surgery.

 

When is recessed penis surgery performed?

Prepubic adipose tissue decreases spontaneously, albeit partially, when excessive babies grow up, but this is not a cure for a recessed penis, but it contributes to the treatment, that is, it increases the success of the surgery. Therefore, surgery should not be rushed. Surgery can be performed around the age of 2 together with circumcision. However, some patients may need to wait 5-10 years for surgery.

Will the embedded penis recur after surgery?

Yes, it may recur. The risk increases especially when performed by inexperienced people.

Buried Penis Treatment;

Most of the Buried Penises do not require any treatment. It usually resolves spontaneously over time.

What are the Possible Surgical Complications?

There are several complications. If they occur, most of them are temporary.

• During the healing process, the scar tissue inside the skin can sometimes stick together (adhesions) or extra connective tissue can form (fibrosis). Both of these can pull the penis back in and bury it.
• Swelling of the penis
• Pain during erection
• Complaints of poor graft healing, flap necrosis or decreased sensitivity in the grafted area.
• Permanent overgrowth of the skin covering the penis

Can a Buried Penis Cause Emotional Distress in Children?

Children with a Dented Penis are at risk of psychological and social trauma. Obese children with a hollow penis may be ashamed of their bodies. As a result, they withdraw socially. Surgical treatment can relieve this anxiety and improve their self-image. However, a good approach is for parents to encourage obese children with an embedded penis to lose weight before starting surgery.

*** The information provided here, the content of the website is organized for the purpose of informing the visitor. No information should be considered as advice by visitors and should not lead to any decision or action. Families should have their patient examined by a pediatric surgery specialist, consult with him/her and make a decision by consulting his/her one-on-one knowledge.