Penile amputation following adult circumcision

Abstract

Male circumcision is a routine cultural ritual in the neonates among Igbo tribe in southeast Nigeria. Adult circumcision is not a common practice and circumcision is rarely complicated by amputation. It is a major source of distress for the patient, and a reconstructive challenge to the care giver. Use of skin graft has been described in glans resurfacing. However, it is difficult to keep the graft in place in the early post operative period.
 A 32 years-old man presented to us with penile amputation and urethral stenosis following circumcision by a midwife. Initial attempt at reconstruction failed before he was referred to us. We used Split Thickness Skin Graft (STSG) with tie-over dressing for resurfacing. Penile amputation is an uncommon complication of adult circumcision and should be left for professionals to avoid such mishap. Satisfactory outcome can be achieved by STSG if sufficient length is preserved.