Penis & scrotum
Inflammatory
Paraphimosis
Authors: Alcides Chaux, M.D., Antonio L. Cubilla, M.D.
Last author update: 1 February 2010
Last staff update: 28 October 2020
Copyright: 2002-2023, PathologyOutlines.com, Inc.
PubMed Search: Paraphimosis penis
Cite this page: Chaux A, Cubilla AL. Paraphimosis. PathologyOutlines.com website. https://www.pathologyoutlines.com/topic/penscrotumparaphimosis.html. Accessed September 21st, 2023.
Definition / general
- Condition in which the foreskin cannot be easily advanced over glans and becomes trapped between coronal sulcus and glans corona
- May be secondary to forceful retraction of phimotic foreskin over glans, causing marked swelling which blocks replacement of foreskin
Causes:
- Phimosis: leads to a circular scar, which can form a tourniquet when foreskin is retracted, preventing proper venous and lymphatic drainage
- Iatrogenic: medical staff fails to reduce foreskin after urethral catheterization or genital exam
- Poor urogenital hygiene, chronic balanoposthitis or genital piercing (West J Emerg Med 2009;10:281)
Clinical features
- Painful, associated with urinary retention and constriction
- Edema due to obstruction rarely causes penile ischemia and infarction
- One of the few male GU emergencies (others are priapism, testicular torsion, Fournier gangrene)
Treatment
- Reduction by manipulation, surgery (dorsal slit procedure, circumcision) or alternative methods (eMedicine: Paraphimosis [Accessed 2 April 2018], eMedicine: Phimosis and Paraphimosis [Accessed 2 April 2018])
Clinical images
Images hosted on other servers:
Nonretractable foreskin
Fournier gangrene
