Circumcision complications

[Phire]

Well I have recently gone through a circumcision (about 3 days ago) and the head of the penis is not sticking out. It seems a flap of skin is covering the head. It is also painful to touch. If I stand up and retract the skin behind the head it looks somewhat normal, and the skin does somewhat stay there, however when I bend down or sit down the skin goes back over the head. If I push down on my pelvic area it does seem to help in keeping the skin from moving back. I did suspect I had a buried penis condition and had told this to my urologist and asked him if there was any procedure that could be done to correct this, he continues to insist that there isn't. What he suggests for me to do is to retract the skin back 3 or 4 times a day, I'm wondering if this will actually help me or not. I had admitted myself into the hospital yesterday and had a urologist over there look at it also, and he had told me it could be that way since I am fresh out of the operation and swelling is present and that it may not do this after the healing process is done. Do you think retracting the skin 3 or 4 times a day will help me and should I seek a urologist who does do buried penis correction or should I wait until the healing process is done. And should I start taking a shower again or should I keep it dry, it is very painful when retracting the skin and it feels sort of tight also, and I'm scared that water might create intense pain.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

One of the complications of circumcision is known as a "skin bridge" between the penile shaft and the glans.  This can be corrected with a surgical procedure.  

I believe obtaining a second opinion is a reasonable route - I would think that the swelling from the operation is contributing to yur discomfort as well and would agree with the urologist's opinion.  

Without seeing the lesion myself, it is difficult to make any direct recommendations - I would ask your urologist whether keeping it dry or showering is appropriate.

I included a link here which comprehensively goes over the major complications of circumcision:
http://www.cirp.org/library/complications/kaplan/

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

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