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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jan 2024This is an updated version of a Cochrane Review first published in 2014. Phimosis is a condition in which the prepuce (foreskin) cannot be fully retracted past the head... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This is an updated version of a Cochrane Review first published in 2014. Phimosis is a condition in which the prepuce (foreskin) cannot be fully retracted past the head of the penis (glans). Phimosis is often treated surgically by circumcision or prepuce plasty; however, reports of non-invasive treatment using topical corticosteroids applied for four to eight weeks have suggested favorable outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of topical corticosteroids applied to the stenotic portion of the prepuce for the treatment of phimosis in boys compared with placebo or no treatment.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, and ClinicalTrial.gov. We checked reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews for additional studies. There were no restrictions on the language of publication. The date of the last search was 4 October 2023.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of any topical corticosteroid with placebo or no treatment for boys with any type or degree of phimosis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted data related to the review's primary and secondary outcomes, and assessed the studies' risk of bias. We used the random-effects model for statistical analyses and expressed dichotomous outcomes as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We contacted the authors of the primary articles to request details of the study design and specific outcome data. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence on a per-outcome basis.
MAIN RESULTS
In this update, we identified two new studies with 111 participants, bringing the total number of included studies to 14 (1459 randomized participants). We found that types of corticosteroids investigated, participant age, degree of phimosis, type of phimosis, and treatment duration varied considerably among studies. Compared with placebo or no treatment, topical corticosteroids may increase the complete resolution of phimosis after four to eight weeks of treatment (RR 2.73, 95% CI 1.79 to 4.16; I² = 72%; 10 trials, 834 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on 252 complete resolutions per 1000 boys in the control group, this corresponds to 436 more complete resolutions per 1000 boys (95% CI 199 more to 796 more). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations and by one level for serious inconsistency. Topical corticosteroids may also increase the partial resolution of phimosis at four to eight weeks of treatment compared with placebo or no treatment (RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.40; I² = 44%; 7 trials, 745 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on 297 partial resolutions per 1000 boys in the control group, this corresponds to 202 more partial resolutions per 1000 boys (95% CI 50 more to 416 more). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations and by one level for serious inconsistency. We are uncertain of the effect of topical corticosteroids compared to placebo on change in retractability score (standardized mean difference [SMD] -1.48, 95% CI -2.93 to -0.03; I²91%; 2 trials, 177 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations, one level for serious heterogeneity, and one level for serious imprecision. Compared with placebo, topical corticosteroids may increase the long-term complete resolution of phimosis six or more months after treatment (RR 4.09, 95% CI 2.80 to 5.97; I² = 0%; 2 trials, 280 participants; low-certainty evidence). Based on 171 long-term complete resolutions per 1000 boys in the control group, this corresponds to 528 more complete resolutions per 1000 boys (95% CI 308 more to 850 more). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations and by one level for serious imprecision. There may be little or no difference in the risk of adverse effects between topical corticosteroids and placebo or no treatment (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.62; I² = 22%; 11 trials, 1091 participants; low-certainty evidence). Only two of 11 studies that recorded adverse effects reported any adverse effects; one event occurred in the corticosteroid group and six in the control group. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence by one level for serious study limitations and by one level for serious imprecision.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Topical corticosteroids, compared to placebo or no treatment, may increase complete and partial resolution of phimosis when assessed after four to eight weeks of treatment, and may increase long-term complete resolution of phimosis assessed six or more months after treatment. Topical corticosteroids may have few or no adverse effects, and we are uncertain about their effect on retractability scores. The body of evidence is limited by poor reporting of methods in the studies, important clinical heterogeneity, and serious imprecision in the results. Future, higher-quality trials with long-term follow-up would likely improve our understanding of the effects of topical corticoids on phimosis in boys.
Topics: Male; Humans; Phimosis; Circumcision, Male; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Dermatologic Agents; Adrenal Cortex Hormones
PubMed: 38269441
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008973.pub3 -
American Journal of Ophthalmology Jul 2022To determine the visual and refractive outcomes and the ocular and systemic complications of cataract surgery in eyes treated for retinoblastoma. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
To determine the visual and refractive outcomes and the ocular and systemic complications of cataract surgery in eyes treated for retinoblastoma.
DESIGN
Retrospective consecutive case series and systematic review.
METHODS
Children <18 years of age with retinoblastoma who underwent surgery for secondary cataract between 2000 and 2020 were reviewed. Medline (OVID), Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database were searched from inception to August 2020.
RESULTS
A total of 15 eyes of 15 children were included. The mean age at retinoblastoma diagnosis was 12 months (median, 14; interquartile range [IQR], 4-19). Cataract developed at a mean age of 39 months (median, 31; IQR, 20-52), secondary to multiple treatments (n = 7), pars-plana vitrectomy (n = 3), external-beam radiotherapy (n = 2), laser (n = 2), and retinal detachment (n = 1). The mean preoperative quiescent interval was 44 months (median, 28; IQR, 15-64). Primary intraocular lens implantation was performed in 93%, posterior capsulotomy in 40%, and anterior vitrectomy in 33% of participants. Postoperatively, 100% had improved fundus visibility and 73% had improved vision. Complications included visual axis opacification (11 of 15), capsular phimosis (5 of 15), and zonulopathy (3 of 15). No patient developed intraocular recurrence, extraocular extension, or metastasis at a mean of 76 months (median, 78; IQR, 29-128) follow-up. The systematic review identified 852 studies, with 18 meeting inclusion criteria. Across all studies (n = 220 children), intraocular recurrence occurred in 6%, globe salvage in 91%, and extraocular extension and metastasis in <1%.
CONCLUSIONS
Modern retinoblastoma therapies, including intravitreal chemotherapy and vitrectomy, cause secondary cataract. Following cataract surgery, intraocular recurrence risk is low and extraocular spread is rare. Although surgery improves tumor visualization, visual prognosis may be limited by several factors. Challenges include biometry limitations and a high incidence of zonulopathy.
Topics: Capsule Opacification; Cataract; Cataract Extraction; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Lens Implantation, Intraocular; Male; Postoperative Complications; Retinal Neoplasms; Retinoblastoma; Retrospective Studies; Visual Acuity; Vitrectomy
PubMed: 35172168
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2022.02.001 -
Urology Jan 2020Phimosis is considered virtually universal in newborn males and likely to resolve within a few years. Persistent phimosis can result in pain, sexual dysfunctions,...
CONTEXT
Phimosis is considered virtually universal in newborn males and likely to resolve within a few years. Persistent phimosis can result in pain, sexual dysfunctions, increased risk of penile inflammatory conditions and penile cancer. There are two forms - primary phimosis and secondary phimosis - the latter often representing a consequence of lichen sclerosis, diabetes and obesity.
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a systematic review to determine the prevalence of phimosis at different ages.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and bibliographies of original studies were searched using the keyword phimosis.
STUDY SELECTION
Studies containing original data on phimosis at any age.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two reviewers independently verified study design, extracted data and rated studies for quality.
RESULTS
Forty-three eligible studies were included: 27 from PubMed, 4 from Google Scholar, and 12 from bibliography searches. Phimosis was reported in most newborns, then gradually decreased in prevalence. Most studies did not differentiate primary from secondary phimosis, so values reported were net phimosis prevalence. There were 13 studies with data for males age ≥18 years. In all, 962 of 17,136 men had been diagnosed with phimosis (range 0.5%-13%). A random effects model found risk of phimosis in men was 3.4% (95% CI 1.8-6.6).
CONCLUSION
Phimosis takes many years to resolve. Apart from spontaneous resolution, clinical interventions also contribute to the gradual reduction in prevalence among uncircumcised boys. The wide range of phimosis prevalence reported in adulthood may reflect variability in the extent of foreskin-preserving treatment of phimosis in different study cohorts.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus; Humans; Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus; Male; Obesity; Phimosis; Prevalence
PubMed: 31655079
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2019.10.003 -
Impact of Sexual Activity on the Risk of Male Genital Tumors: A Systematic Review of the Literature.International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2021Most cancers are related to lifestyle and environmental risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, and environment (occupational exposures). A... (Review)
Review
Most cancers are related to lifestyle and environmental risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, and environment (occupational exposures). A growing interest in the association between sexual activity (SA) and the development of different types of tumors in both men and women has been recorded in recent years. The aim of the present systematic review is to describe and critically discuss the current evidence regarding the association between SA and male genital cancers (prostatic, penile, and testicular), and to analyze the different theories and biological mechanisms reported in the literature. A comprehensive bibliographic search in the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed in July 2021. Papers in the English language without chronological restrictions were selected. Retrospective and prospective primary clinical studies, in addition to previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, were included. A total of 19 studies, including 953,704 patients were selected. Case reports, conference abstracts, and editorial comments were excluded. Men with more than 20 sexual partners in their lifetime, and those reporting more than 21 ejaculations per month, reported a decreased risk of overall and less aggressive prostate cancer (PCa). About 40% of penile cancers (PCs) were HPV-associated, with HPV 16 being the dominant genotype. Data regarding the risk of HPV in circumcised patients are conflicting, although circumcision appears to have a protective role against PC. Viral infections and epididymo-orchitis are among the main sex-related risk factors studied for testicular cancer (TC); however, data in the literature are limited. Testicular trauma can allow the identification of pre-existing TC. SA is closely associated with the development of PC through high-risk HPV transmission; in this context, phimosis appears to be a favoring factor. Sexual behaviors appear to play a significant role in PCa pathogenesis, probably through inflammatory mechanisms; however, protective sexual habits have also been described. A direct correlation between SA and TC has not yet been proven, although infections remain the most studied sex-related factor.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Partners; Testicular Neoplasms
PubMed: 34444249
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168500 -
Pediatric Dermatology May 2022Studies concerning pediatric lichen sclerosus are limited, and, to date, there have been no studies comparing the course of lichen sclerosus in boys and girls. We sought...
BACKGROUND
Studies concerning pediatric lichen sclerosus are limited, and, to date, there have been no studies comparing the course of lichen sclerosus in boys and girls. We sought to examine all publications on boys and girls with lichen sclerosus and assess and compare epidemiology, symptoms and signs, genetic background, risk factors, treatment, and prognosis.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in the Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. Inclusion criteria were information on children ages 0-18 years and a clinical or histologic diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. Literature from 1985 to 2021 was reviewed.
RESULTS
A total of 1780 articles were retrieved from the search, of which 90 articles were eligible for inclusion. Boys and girls present similarly on many aspects; nonetheless, treatment and follow-up are approached differently.
CONCLUSIONS
Though the clinical approach is often different, lichen sclerosus in boys and girls demonstrates many similarities. More research is needed, especially on follow-up, to gain a better understanding of the course of lichen sclerosus and establish an advanced management plan for children.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Genetic Background; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus; Male; Prognosis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35229894
DOI: 10.1111/pde.14967 -
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy Jun 2022Topical pharmacotherapy is often practiced in the treatment of adults with phimosis or Lichen Sclerosus (LS). However, it is unclear if it is effective. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Topical pharmacotherapy is often practiced in the treatment of adults with phimosis or Lichen Sclerosus (LS). However, it is unclear if it is effective.
AREAS COVERED
The authors review pharmacological treatments in adults with phimosis or LS using the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) methodology. They searched seven databases using key words phimosis, drug treatment, medical, treatment, lichen sclerosis, pharmacological treatment, medications, comparison study for all English language articles from 1962 to 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients >18 yr., and the use of topical medical treatment with outcome data. The article includes the authors' expert opinion and their perspectives for the future.
EXPERT OPINION
There is limited research, with significant heterogeneity, which suggests the probable safety of topical steroids with some potential to reduce the signs and symptoms of LS. However, good quality research, with patient reported outcome data, is required to establish its true role and effectiveness.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Humans; Lichen Sclerosus et Atrophicus; Male; Phimosis; Steroids
PubMed: 35536559
DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2075697 -
Cureus Feb 2024Contrasting ethical and legal arguments have been made concerning neonatal male circumcision (NMC) that merit the first systematic review on this topic. We performed... (Review)
Review
Contrasting ethical and legal arguments have been made concerning neonatal male circumcision (NMC) that merit the first systematic review on this topic. We performed PRISMA-compliant keyword searches of PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, LexisNexis, and other databases and identified 61 articles that met the inclusion criteria. In the bibliographies of these articles, we identified 58 more relevant articles and 28 internet items. We found high-quality evidence that NMC is a low-risk procedure that provides immediate and lifetime medical and health benefits and only rarely leads to later adverse effects on sexual function or pleasure. Given this evidence, we conclude that discouraging or denying NMC is unethical from the perspective of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes the right to health. Further, case law supports the legality of NMC. We found, conversely, that the ethical arguments against NMC rely on distortions of the medical evidence. Thus, NMC, by experienced operators using available safety precautions, appears to be both legal and ethical. Consistent with this conclusion, all of the evidence-based pediatric policies that we reviewed describe NMC as low-risk and beneficial to public health. We calculated that a reduction in NMC in the United States from 80% to 10% would substantially increase the cases of adverse medical conditions. The present findings thus support the evidence-based NMC policy statements and are inconsistent with the non-evidence-based policies that discourage NMC. On balance, the arguments and evidence reviewed here indicate that NMC is a medically beneficial and ethical public health intervention early in life because it reduces suffering, deaths, cases, and costs of treating adverse medical conditions throughout the lifetimes of circumcised individuals.
PubMed: 38405642
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54772 -
Current Urology Reports May 2024Phimosis is a common condition of the urinary system in children and often requires surgical treatment. However, the optimal method of circumcision for children has not... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Phimosis is a common condition of the urinary system in children and often requires surgical treatment. However, the optimal method of circumcision for children has not been determined. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the safety and effectiveness of plastic clamp with conventional surgical circumcision in pediatric circumcision.
METHODS
A literature search was carried out to compare the plastic clamp and conventional dissection technique in the pediatric population. The following search terms were used: "circumcision", "plastic clamp", "conventional", "plastibell", "children" and etc. Meta-analysis was used to pool and evaluate variables such as operative time, blood loss, wound infection, bleeding, edema, and total postoperative complications.
RESULTS
The plastic clamp technique (PCT) was used in 10,412 of the 17,325 participants in the nine studies, while the conventional surgical dissection technique (CST) was used on 6913 patients. When compared to the CST approach, the PCT approach resulted in shorter operative times (mean difference (MD) -17.48, 95% CI -22 to -12.96; P < 0.001), less blood loss (MD -4.25, 95% CI -7.75 to -0.77; P = 0.02), and a higher incidence of postoperative edema (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.34 to 4.08; P = 0.003). However, no significant difference was found in the incidence of postoperative complications, including wound infection and bleeding between PCT and CST.
CONCLUSIONS
PCT is a safe and time-saving option in the pediatric population. However, this method appeared to have a significant greater rate of postoperative edema.
PubMed: 38769228
DOI: 10.1007/s11934-024-01209-5 -
Pediatric Surgery International Jun 2021Megaprepuce (MP) is a rare and challenging condition characterised by an excessive inner prepuce, paucity of penile skin and an extremely narrow phimotic ring. The...
Megaprepuce (MP) is a rare and challenging condition characterised by an excessive inner prepuce, paucity of penile skin and an extremely narrow phimotic ring. The aetiological factors leading to its development are poorly understood. A variety of surgical techniques have been described in the last 26 years mostly with small number of patients and short follow-up. It is also highly likely that some series have in the past included different variants of inconspicuous penis combining concealed penis, MP and webbed penis. This article is a systematic review of the literature on Megaprepuce; in particular the embryology, history, aetiology, and the surgical techniques available for the correction of this unique penile anomaly will be presented and discussed in this study.
Topics: Foreskin; Humans; Male; Penile Diseases; Penis; Phimosis; Rare Diseases; Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male
PubMed: 33760967
DOI: 10.1007/s00383-021-04883-5 -
Circumcision devices versus standard surgical techniques in adolescent and adult male circumcisions.The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2021Medical circumcisions are among the most common surgical procedures performed in males. The usual indications are phimosis (inability to completely retract the foreskin... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Medical circumcisions are among the most common surgical procedures performed in males. The usual indications are phimosis (inability to completely retract the foreskin and expose the glans due to a congenital or acquired constriction of the prepuce), paraphimosis (when the foreskin is not pulled back over the glans after retraction resulting in a tight constricting band which causes swelling of the distal penis and acute discomfort), balanoposthitis (erythema and edema of the prepuce and glans) and balanitis (inflammation is confined to the glans; the foreskin is usually non-retractile). Circumcision devices have been developed to shorten the operative time, simplify techniques, and improve safety and cosmetic outcomes. The devices generally aim to crush the foreskin while simultaneously creating hemostasis, the foreskin is then excised or allowed to slough off. Their use is supposedly safer and easier to replicate than the standard dissection techniques. There are at least 20 devices for male circumcision on the market, yet their effectiveness has not been reviewed to date.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of device-based circumcisions compared with standard surgical techniques in adolescent and adult males (10 years old and above).
SEARCH METHODS
We performed a comprehensive search with no restrictions to the language of publication or publication status. We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, trials registries, grey literature sources and conference proceedings up to 16 April 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials of device-based circumcisions (crush or ligature circumcision devices) compared to standard surgical dissection-based circumcision conducted by health professionals in a medical setting.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two review authors independently assessed study eligibility and extracted data from the included studies. We classified adverse events into serious, moderate or mild. We reported study results as risk ratios (RR) or mean differences (MD) using 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a random-effects model. We used the GRADE approach to evaluate the overall certainty of the evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
Eighteen trials met the inclusion criteria. Trials were conducted in China, South Africa, Kenya and Zambia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Primary outcomes Serious adverse events: there were no serious adverse events in either treatment arm (11 trials, 3472 participants). Moderate adverse events: there may be a slight increase in moderate adverse events when devices are used compared to standard surgical techniques (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.55 to 3.10; I²= 68%; 10 trials, 3370 participants; low-certainty evidence); this corresponds to 8 more (ranging from 15 fewer to 84 more) moderate adverse events per 1000 participants. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations and imprecision. Secondary outcomes Mild adverse events: we are uncertain about the difference in mild adverse events between groups when devices are used compared to standard surgical techniques (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.72; I² = 91%; 10 trials, 3370 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations, imprecision and unexplained inconsistency. Operative time: operative time is probably about 17 minutes shorter when using a device rather than standard surgical techniques, which constitutes a clinically meaningful decrease in a procedure (MD -17.26 minutes, 95% CI -19.96 to -14.57; I² = 99%; 14 trials, 4812 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for serious study limitations. The standard surgical technique generally takes about 24 minutes. There may be less postoperative pain during the first 24 hours when circumcision devices are used compared to standard surgical techniques (measured using a visual analog scale [VAS]; MD 1.30 cm lower, 95% CI 2.37 lower to 0.22 lower; I² = 99%; 9 trials, 3022 participants; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations and unexplained heterogeneity. There may be little or no difference in postoperative pain experienced during the first seven days when compared with standard surgical techniques (measured using a VAS; MD 0.11 cm higher, 95% CI 0.89 lower to 1.11 higher; I² = 94%; 4 trials, 1430 participants; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations and unexplained inconsistency. A higher score on the VAS indicates greater pain. Participants may slightly prefer circumcision devices compared to standard surgical techniques (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.37; I² = 97%; 15 trials, 4501 participants; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for study limitations and unexplained inconsistency. We recorded satisfaction as a dichotomous outcome. Higher rates reflected greater satisfaction.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found that there were no serious adverse events reported when using a circumcision device compared to standard surgical techniques, but they may slightly increase moderate adverse effects, and it is unclear whether there is a difference in mild adverse effects. Use of circumcision devices probably reduces the time of the procedure by about 17 minutes, a clinically meaningful time saving. For patients, use of the circumcision device may result in lower pain scores during the first 24 hours and patients may be slightly more satisfied with it compared with standard surgical techniques. Clinicians, patients and policymakers can use these results in conjunction with their own contextual factors to inform the approach that best suits their healthcare settings. High-quality trials evaluating this intervention are needed to provide further certainty regarding the rates of adverse effects and postoperative pain of using devices compared to standard approaches.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Bias; Child; Circumcision, Male; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Operative Time; Pain, Postoperative; Patient Preference; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Young Adult
PubMed: 33786810
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012250.pub2