What is Phimosis?

Phimosis
Phimosis. Photo of a young child with severe phimosis. The foreskin cannot be retracted to exposure the glan.Sutureless prepuceplasty with wound healing by second intention: an alternative surgical approach in children's phimosis treatment. Christianakis E - BMC urology (2008). Not Altered. CC.

Phimosis is a condition in which the prepuce is too small and tight to permit its usual retraction over the glans.

What is the Pathology of Phimosis?

The pathology of phimosis is:

-Etiology: The cause of phimosis is congenital or acquired through inflammation, trauma, or edema of the prepuce.

-Genes involved: Unknown.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to phimosis is a buried penis caused by a developmental irregularity in which dartos fascia does not develop into the typical elastic outline.

-Morphology: The morphology associated with phimosis shows an unelastic foreskin.

How does Phimosis Present? 

Patients with phimosis are typically young males. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with phimosis include failure to retract the prepuce.

How is Phimosis Diagnosed? 

Phimosis is diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination.

How is Phimosis Treated? 

Phimosis is treated through surgical intervention, which may include an emergent circumcision in case of paraphimosis.

What is the Prognosis of Phimosis?

The prognosis of phimosis is good with proper surgical care.