A Novel Tool to Predict the Cosmetic Outcome after Circumcision: Penile Visibility Index

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the circumcision status and complications, and the value of penile visibility index in predicting circumcision complications among elementary school children. Patients and Methods: Elementary school students were evaluated with physical exam in terms of circumcision complications. Visible penile length/stretched penile length ratio was calculated for each subject and recorded as penile visibility index (PVI). Data were assessed with SPSS 15.0 software. Results: Average age was 9.04 (5 - 14) years. Circumcision complications were detected in 84 of 361 circumcised subjects (23.2%). There was no relationship between age at circumcision and complications (p > 0.05). Concealed penis was detected in 3.6% of all subjects. Mean PVI was significantly different between cases with and without glanular adhesion, and between cases with and without residual prepuce. On the overall, mean PVI in complication and no complication groups were 0.52 and 0.59 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: PVI calculation before circumcision, might help predict the cosmetic outcome of circumcision beforehand.