From the Research
Diagnosis of Buried Penis Syndrome
- Buried penis syndrome, also known as hidden penis, can be diagnosed based on physical examination and medical history, as noted in studies 1, 2.
- The condition can be caused by various factors, including obesity, laxity in connective tissue, lichen sclerosis, complications from penile/scrotal enlargement surgery, scrotal lymphedema, or hidradenitis suppurativa 2.
- A classification system has been proposed to characterize the spectrum of this condition, dividing it into "buried" and "trapped" categories, depending on the presence of fibrous tethering and the degree of affected tissue 3.
Treatment of Buried Penis Syndrome
- Surgical treatment is often necessary to correct buried penis syndrome, and may involve panniculectomy, monsplasty, or other procedures to remove excess skin and tissue 1, 4.
- The choice of surgical technique depends on the individual patient's condition and the degree of affected tissue, as well as the presence of any underlying medical conditions 4, 2.
- Postoperative care is crucial to prevent complications such as wound dehiscence and infection, and to ensure satisfactory reconstruction of the penis 1, 4.
- Studies have shown that surgical repair can be successful in improving quality of life for patients with buried penis syndrome, and can also correct physical morbidities such as penile cancer, urethral strictures, and mood disorders 5.
Surgical Techniques
- Penile degloving and basal anchoring are common surgical techniques used to treat buried penis syndrome, as well as skin grafts to achieve penile shaft coverage 4.
- Suprapubic lipectomies may be performed on adult patients to remove excess fat and tissue 4.
- Phalloplasty and penile skin resurfacing may be necessary in cases where the penis is trapped by scarred or fibrous tissue 3.
Outcomes and Complications
- Studies have reported high success rates for surgical treatment of buried penis syndrome, with patients experiencing improved urinary and sexual function, as well as cosmetic results 1, 4.
- Complications such as wound dehiscence and infection can occur, but are generally manageable with proper postoperative care 1, 4.
- Patients with trapped penises may experience more significant complications and may require repeat operations, as noted in study 3.