Phimosis and circumcision in children

Male circumcision is a surgical technique that has been practiced since ancient times. However, there has been concern over the last few years that many operations for circumcision are performed unnecessarily. The most common medical indication for circumcision is pathological phimosis, but there is confusion about the interpretation of the term phimosis, as the pathological form is not always distinguished from physiological phimosis, which is a normal part of penile development. Surgical excision of the prepuce should be restricted to lesions that are unresponsive to alternative forms of treatment, such as topical steroid application, adhesiolysis and preputioplasty. Improved knowledge of foreskin development and disorders on the part of the paediatrician could reduce many referrals to the paediatric surgery outpatient department.