Buried penis as a contraindication for circumcision.

Alter GJ, Horton CE, Horton CE Jr

Department of Plastic Surgery,
Eastern Virginia Medical School,
Norfolk, Virginia.

Neonatal circumcision is a frequently performed procedure with rare complications. Buried penis is an infrequent congenital penile deformity. If unrecognized, circumcision of these infants may have serious consequences. Buried penis refers to a penile shaft that is buried below the surface of the prepubic skin because of an abnormally prominent suprapubic fat pad and dense fascial bands retracting and tethering the penis. Description of the entity and operative repair are discussed. Avoidance of neonatal circumcision in patients with buried penis is imperative to prevent worsening of the condition.

Published erratum appears in J Am Coll Surg 1994 Jun;178(6):636.