Paediatrics: Penile trauma

Penile trauma

Most penile trauma is iatrogenic as a result of circumcision. Bleeding post-circumcision usually needs exploration under anaesthetic. Clotting should be checked to exclude haemophilia in infants. Entrapment of the foreskin in trouser zips is occasionally seen.

• If the prepuce is caught between the teeth of the zip, then release can be achieved by cutting across the zip and separating the edges.

• This can usually be managed in casualty. Entrapment between the zip slide and the teeth is more complicated because the slider has to be prised off with bone cutters. This is best performed under anaesthetic.