Penile strangulation injury in children — Reconstructive procedure and outcome

Background: Penile strangulation injury (PSI) is rare and is usually reported in circumcised children. Damage to Corpus Spongiosum (encasing urethra) and Corpus Spongiosum by hidden constricting material (e.g. hair or thread) in penile groove can cause Urethral Fistula (UF) and near total glans amputation. We report varied grades of PSI in children with emphasis on surgical procedure and its outcome. Patients and methods: Fifteen children were treated from August 1991 to December 2018 for PSI inflicted by encircling hair (n = 4) and cotton or polyester thread (n = 11). Twelve patients with Grade 1 and 2 injury had a single stage reconstructive procedure. Results: Age of patients ranged from 6 months to 11 years (mean 5.8 years). All the patients including two who have attained sexual maturity stated satisfactory outcomes, e.g., urinary stream on follow up (range: 1.1 to 13 years; mean 6.5 years). One patient developed urethrocutaneous fistula (UF) and had repair as a daycare procedure. Conclusion: One stage surgical repair is appropriate to manage varied damage to urethra and corpora associated with PSI. Immediate and long-term results are reasonable. Level of evidence: Level IV.