Paediatric penile trauma

Abstract

Circumcision related injuries are the most common type of penile trauma all over the world with the highest incidence (67%) of these injuries reported in North Africa. The severity of injury ranged from penile laceration with no skin loss through degloving injury to complete avulsion and amputation of the penis. At presentation, the child is often restless, tugging at the phallus and may be uncomfortable while passing urine. Often no diagnostic investigation is required before diagnosis is made. However, retrograde urethrogram and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRl) may be helpful to determine the extent of injury and urethral involvement. Prompt and appropriate management is necessary to achieve acceptable functional and aesthetic results. Prophylactic antibiotics and tetanus immunization may be given in carefully selected cases. Plastic procedures may be used to improve the cosmetic appearance and function of severely traumatized phallus.