Glans ischaemia after circumcision in adult males: A two-patient case series and a narrative review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction:

Glans necrosis after circumcision is an exceedingly rare complication among adult males, with only a handful of cases being reported in the literature.

Materials and methods:

We present here two cases of glans ischaemia observations after circumcision in both a 19-year-old and a 26-year-old patient; both were managed with oral medications in the outpatient setting, with complete restitutio-ad-integrum. A narrative review of the literature was also performed to better describe the possible predisposing factors; the treatment/management options; and the typical outcomes among the adult males experiencing with this complication.

Results:

Penile dorsal anaesthetic blocks, monopolar cautery usage and compressive wound dressing are all reported to play a role as co-factors for glans ischaemia after circumcision, hence their adoption should be mindful. There is no consensus on the management of ischaemia of the glans after male circumcision.

Conclusions:

The favourable outcomes being reported for most of the literature cases of glans ischaemia after circumcision among adults despite the adoption of diverse empirical therapeutic strategies suggest that the role of the proactive management may be questionable.