Traumatic Penile Injuries In Children: An Experience

Abstract

Background: Penile injuries are not uncommon in children and may be underreported. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with penile trauma in children in a retrospectively evaluated series. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of children aged 15 years and below who were managed for traumatic penile injuries between January 2015 and December 2019 at the pediatric surgery unit of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH) Enugu, Nigeria. Both acute and chronic traumatic penile injuries were considered. Diagnosis of traumatic penile injury was made based on clinical and imaging findings. Results: A total of 104 cases of traumatic penile injuries were seen during the study period. The mean age of the patients was 4 months. Urethrocutaneous fistula from male circumcision was the most common traumatic penile injury. Repair of urethrocutaneous fistula and recurrent urethrocutaneous fistula were the most performed surgical procedure and most post-operative complication respectively. Majority of the patients achieved good cosmetic and functional outcome. Conclusion: Traumatic penile injuries in children occur infrequently but could be a significant cause of penile disfigurement and morbidity. Urethrocutaneous fistula and bleeding problems from male circumcision are the most common traumatic penile injuries. Traumatic penile injuries can be minimized by better training and good practice.