The frequency of foreskin problems in uncircumcised children
L. W. Herzog and S. R. Alvarez
We performed a retrospective survey to determine the frequency of problems
of the foreskin among uncircumcised children. Among 545 boys aged 4 months
to 12 years, there were 272 uncircumcised boys and 273 control patients who
were circumcised at birth. The total frequency of complications was
significantly higher in the uncircumcised group (14% vs 6%). Both balanitis
(6% vs 3%) and irritation (4% vs 1%) were more frequent among the
uncircumcised children, but the difference was not statistically
significant. Problems with adhesions were uncommon (1.5%) and equal in both
groups. Symptomatic phimosis was seen in eight patients. The frequency of
medical visits for penile problems was significantly higher in the
uncircumcised group (10% vs 5%). Although the overall frequency of
complications was higher among the uncircumcised children, most of the
problems were minor.
