Foreskin trapped by zipper: a case report

Abstract

We present an 84 year-old-male patient with foreskin trapped by his zipper. After several failed attempts with scissors, screwdriver and others we practise an elliptic incision to resolve the problem. Foreskin injuries are frequent in children but are rare in adult men. There are some techniques described for solving the problem using scissors, screwdriver, traction and surgery.

Ultrasound‐guided dorsal penile nerve block performed in a case of zipper entrapment injury

“…Zipper entrapment is a less frequent presentation; however, it carries the potential for significant morbidity and should therefore be managed with equal importance . Patient embarrassment can result in delayed presentation, thereby increasing the risk for tissue necrosis and ischemia . Given the sensitivity of the skin surrounding the genital region, zipper entrapment injuries are extremely painful, and the pain is often exacerbated with any movement or palpation.…”

“…3 Patient embarrassment can result in delayed presentation, thereby increasing the risk for tissue necrosis and ischemia. 4 Given the sensitivity of the skin surrounding the genital region, zipper entrapment injuries are extremely painful, and the pain is often exacerbated with any movement or palpation. Thus, adequate analgesia is extremely helpful in preparation for zipper removal.…”

A new nonsurgical technique for managing zipper injuries

“…The technique should be attempted before surgical interventions such as circumcision [4] or an elliptic incision [5].…”

“…The proximal position of the entrapped skin meant that circumcision was not an option. However, an elliptic incision, followed by primary wound closure, described by Arrabal-Polo et al [5] was an option.…”

Affective Disorder and Suicide Attempt in a Child After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

“…1,7,16 Finally, a number of reports described using circumcision or elliptical incision of the penile skin as a last resort to remove zippers. 2,10,17 In summary, the commonly recommended technique to cut the bar holding together the 2 plates of the zipper slider with bone cutters or wire cutters is dependent on the construction material used and shape of the slider, and this technique is typically unsuccessful. Overall, it is probably the least desirable method for accomplishing this procedure, and this author feels that the recommendation is a commonly perpetuated myth in emergency medicine.…”