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Paraphimosis - Treatment

Treatment:

Pressing on (compression of) the head of the penis while pushing the foreskin forward may reduce the swelling due to paraphimosis. If this fails, prompt surgical circumcision will be needed.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is likely to be excellent if the condition is diagnosed and treated quickly.

Complications:

If paraphimosis is left untreated, it can disrupt blood flow to the tip of the penis. In extreme cases, this may lead to:

Damage to the penis tip
Gangrene
Loss of the penis tip

Calling your health care provider:

Go to your local emergency room if this occurs.

Male reproductive anatomy

Reviewed last on: 9/7/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Jordan GH, Schlossberg SM. Surgery of the penis and urethra. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 33.

Elder JS. Abnormalities of the genitalia in boys and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 126.

Elder JS. Anomalies of the penis and urethra. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 544.

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