Foreskin and penile problems in childhood

Congenital penile abnormalities are common and merit paediatric surgical or urological review. These include hypospadias, congenital mega-prepuce, buried penis and epispadias. The features and management of these conditions are outlined in this article.Problems arising from the foreskin are even more common in childhood and account for up to 20% of paediatric surgical outpatient referrals. However, most of these are not warranted. This arises due to a poor understanding of the natural history of the foreskin. Therefore, in this article we outline the normal foreskin physiology as well as other common pathological conditions of the foreskin seen in childhood. Indications, techniques and complications arising from circumcision are also described.