Purpose: We review the use of split-thickness skin grafting in children with concealed penis.
Materials and methods: Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for all patients younger than 20 years seen at our institution from 1995 to 2003 with a diagnosis of concealed penis. Patients were separated into "primary" and "secondary" groups based on the cause of concealment. Primary factors were prominent prepubic fat pad, dysgenetic dartos fascia or both. Secondary factors were post-circumcision phimosis and overzealous circumcision.
Results: A total of 26 patients 1 month to 19 years old were treated. In the primary group of 23 patients 11 underwent lysis of dartos fascia. Four of these 11 patients had insufficient skin, and split-thickness skin grafting was necessary to resurface the penile shaft. Five of the patients underwent excision of the fat pad only, and 2 underwent excision of the fat pad and lysis of fascia. Five patients are being observed. Of the 3 patients in the secondary group 1 underwent manual reduction of post-circumcision phimosis, 1 underwent scrotal flaps and 1 is being observed. Followup ranged from 2 weeks to 46 months (mean 13 months). Of 20 surgically repaired patients 19 (95%) had an excellent cosmetic result, were satisfied with penile length and reported no voiding complaints.
Conclusions: The surgical approach for correcting concealed penis varies, depending on the cause. Of our 26 patients 4 (15%) had insufficient penile skin to resurface the penile shaft. In these select children split-thickness skin grafting provided a good cosmetic appearance and functional result.