Alternativen zur zirkumzision

Abstract

Apart from the reduced incidence of urinary tract infections in the first year of life, there are currently no medical arguments firmly in favour of circumcision and against sparing the prepuce - with the sole exception of lichen sclerosus et atrophicans, which is rare in children. Not infrequently, parents and child prefer the phimosis to be corrected without removal of the prepuce, in order to preserve the "natural" appearance of the penis. Various investigations have shown a lesser postoperative requirement for analgesics and a better subjective cosmetic outcome after reconstruction of the prepuce. In mild phimosis, "foreskin training", possibly together with antiphlogistic ointment, may be successful. In the case of persistent phimosis, we recommend giving the family all available information on the potential surgical procedures with and without preservation of the prepuce. In the absence of convincing medical arguments for or against, the decision may be based on individual aesthetic preferences. In our opinion the triple incision technique, a swift, simple and safe operation, represents a good alternative to circumcision.