TREATMENT OF PHIMOSIS IN CHILDREN WITH COORDINATION OF UROLOGISTS AND ANDROLOGISTS

Phimosis in children is a condition where the foreskin is long and tightly covers the glans of the penis, making it difficult to retract. Normally, by the age of 3-4, the foreskin should begin to retract without causing pain or discomfort. However, in some cases, the child cannot retract the foreskin or can only partially do so. This condition can be caused by:

• A narrow foreskin opening
• Short frenulum: The frenulum is a fold of skin that connects the glans to the underside of the foreskin. When the frenulum is short, the foreskin cannot be fully retracted, causing pain and discomfort.
• Infections: Bacterial infections can cause scarring and fibrosis of the foreskin, hindering its retraction.

According to Dr. Vo Van Quy, Head of the Urology Department at Hanoi French Hospital (HFH): “The foreskin serves to protect the glans from harmful agents. However, when the foreskin is constricted, it becomes a risk factor for conditions affecting the penis, such as balanitis, urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and infertility.”

Therefore, if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, you should take them to see a doctor immediately:

• Foreskin completely covers the urethral opening, causing difficulty in urination.
• The foreskin swells when the child urinates.
• The child experiences pain while urinating.
• The glans is swollen or infected.
• The child is over 3 years old but the foreskin cannot or is difficult to retract, causing pain when attempted manually.

At Hanoi French Hospital, in the treatment of phimosis in children, non-invasive solutions are prioritized initially:

• For children aged 3 and older: Doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and topical creams to loosen the foreskin and guide parents on how to gently stretch the foreskin under running water. Over time, this method allows the foreskin to retract.
• If manual retraction is not effective, circumcision may be recommended.

Dr. Quy states that circumcision is performed on a sensitive part of the child’s body, requiring meticulous attention to detail. Beyond treating the condition, the surgery must consider the individual’s anatomy, ensuring the mucosal layer’s thickness is precisely calculated and the penis remains straight for future functionality. This is why at HFH, the treatment plan involves collaboration with both urologists and andrologists.

Circumcision at HFH is conducted by an experienced team of internationally trained doctors, with quick procedures, minimal bleeding, and operating rooms adhering to the highest international standards for sterilization and infection control.

Multimodal pain control strategies, including ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery), help patients experience little to no pain and recover more quickly post-surgery.

Parents can take their child home the same day, and the wound typically heals within 7-10 days.

For more detailed information or to schedule an appointment with HFH's urology specialists, please contact us via hotline 024 3577 1100, inbox our Facebook fan page “Hanoi French Hospital,” or message our Zalo official account at zalo.me/2008009049335817955