Hidden Penis in the Great Obese: A Case Report

Abstract

The obesity represents an increasing social problem in the Western countries. In Italy, it interests approximately 8% of the population, while 1 Italian on 100 belongs to the category of great obese (BMI 40 kg/m²). In the Western Countries, its prevalence is doubled in the last 10 years and this trend will last for next 50 years. The overfat in pre-pubic region determines several aesthetic and functional alterations that have as common element a false brevity of the penis, defined as “hidden penis”. A standard treatment for hidden penis does not exist; several techniques rather exist, that can be arranged in variable way from case to case in order to let the penis free from the surrounding fat. The case that we describe reports a great obese patient (BMI 42 kg/m²), diabetic, with the penis hidden by the pre-pubic fatty tissue. The severe aesthetic and functional problems have been treated in collaboration with the plastic surgeon.