What is a Buried Penis?

A buried penis happens when the penis is hidden by excess skin, fat, or scar tissue in nearby areas, like the abdomen, groin, or scrotum. This may be caused by many factors, including obesity, congenital conditions, scarring due to past surgeries or injuries, lymphedema (fluid build-up), or inflammatory diseases like lichen sclerosus.

Why is buried penis repair done?

The main reason for buried penis repair is to uncover the penis, enhancing both its cosmetic and functional appearance. This can correct:

• Hygiene problems: inability to clean the area, causing infections.
• Urinary issues: dribbling, inability to void while standing, or recurrent urinary tract infections.
• Sexual dysfunction: painful erections, inability to penetrate, or decreased sexual activity.
• Psychological distress: depression, low self-esteem, and issues with body image.
• Risk of penile cancer: chronic inflammation and lack of hygiene may play a role in this risk.

What are the procedure details for buried penis repair?

Buried penis repair is sometimes carried out under general anesthesia as a surgical procedure. The exact surgical techniques employed depend on the severity and the root cause of the condition. Usual surgical procedures include:

• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): excision of excess fat and skin from the midriff, particularly if a "pannus" (skin apron) overlies the genitals.
• Panniculectomy: excision of the pannus, the large apron of overhanging skin and fatty tissue over the pubic region.
• Escutcheonectomy: removal of the fat pad above the pubic region (mons pubis).
• Scrotectomy/scrotoplasty: if an oversized scrotum is part of the burial, excessive scrotal tissue can be excised or molded.
• Penile degloving and release: the procedure includes freeing the penis from adherent tissues and possibly separating the suspensory ligament that attaches the penis to the pubic bone for it to project outward more.
• Skin grafts: if healthy skin is not available to cover the newly bared penis, skin can be harvested from other parts of the body (e.g., thigh, abdomen) and grafted over the penis.
• Circumcision revision: if a previous circumcision was at fault for causing the burial, a revision can be done.
• Liposuction: where excess fat is the sole problem, liposuction can be employed to eliminate fat deposits.

The goal of the surgeon is to release the penis from the overlying covering tissue, recreate the peno-abdominal and peno-scrotal junctions, and provide enough skin cover. Temporary drains or catheters can be inserted postoperatively.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of repairing a buried penis?

Advantages:

• Improved penis look and projection.
• Improved cleanliness and a lower chance of infection.
• Improved urinary function, possibly allowing for standing urine.
• Enhanced sexual pleasure and function.
• Improved self-esteem and alleviation of mental suffering.
• Decreased risk of long-term complications such as skin breakdown and possibly penile cancer.

Disadvantages:

• Common risks of surgery: bleeding, infection, reaction to anesthesia.
• Wound complications: dehiscence (opening) of the wound, compromised wound healing, fluid collection (seroma), and hematoma (collection of blood).
• Scarring: scarring visible at the sites of surgery, although every attempt is made to keep this to a minimum.
• Nerve damage: risk of changed sensation within the penis or in the surrounding tissue.
• Urinary complications: straining to urinate, urinary tract infections.
• Skin graft complications: incomplete or total skin graft loss, necessitating further intervention.
• Recurrence: in a few instances, particularly with considerable weight gain, the penis becomes re-buried.
• Cosmetic dissatisfaction: even after surgery, a few may not find the resulting appearance as pleasing as desired.
• Pain and discomfort: frequent following surgery, typically treated with medication.

Discussing all potential risks and benefits thoroughly with your surgeon before the procedure is crucial.

What can i expect during recovery and outlook?

Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery.

• Immediate post-op: pain, swelling, and bruising of the penile and scrotal tissues can occur. Pain medication will be ordered. A foley catheter may be left to keep urine from flowing back, and surgical drains may be utilized to avoid fluid accumulation.
• Initial days/weeks: you will probably require major support with daily activities during the initial 2-3 days. Resting is important. Swelling and bruising should resolve over a few weeks. Stitches will dissolve on their own within 2-4 weeks, or your physician will remove staples within 10-14 days.
• Activity: avoid strenuous activities, contact sports, and swimming for at least 4-6 weeks. Light activity and work/school may be resumed when pain is well managed, usually in 1-2 weeks.
• Wound care: read your surgeon's wound care instructions. These may involve applying ointment and taking daily warm baths.
• Sexual activity: avoid sexual intercourse until your surgeon clears you, usually several weeks after surgery.
• Long-term outlook: with the proper treatment, the prognosis is usually excellent, with marked improvement in function and quality of life. Keeping weight healthy after surgery is crucial to avoid recurrence, particularly if obesity is a factor. The excess skin and scar tissue removed do not return, but new fat deposits can form if a healthy lifestyle is not followed.

When to call the doctor?

It is necessary to call your doctor if you have any of the following after buried penis repair:

• Fever (particularly with increasing redness or drainage on the surgical site)
• Bleeding, bruising, or swelling that is significant or getting worse at the surgical site.
• Wound separation (the cut opening up).
• Increasing pain that is not controlled with the medicine given.
• Redness, warmth, purulent discharge from the incision.
• Knowledge of difficulty urinating or inability to void.
• Severe or persistent pain on erections following the initial recovery period.
• Any sudden or unusual changes in your condition.

Always adhere to your surgeon's post-operative instructions and return for all follow-up visits as scheduled.

Why choose Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital for Buried penis repair in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for Buried penis repair in Lucknow, India. Our experienced Urologists uses advanced technology, and provides patient-focused care, the hospital ensures safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.

To Seek an Expert Consultation for Buried penis repair in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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