Penile reconstruction in a newborn following complicated circumcision: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Grade V post-circumcision penile injury is known as “total phallic loss”. It is usually seen with the use of mono-polar electro-cautery for circumcision resulting in penile necrosis. We report on a newborn treated by release of the subcutaneous corporal remnant and explain why this option should be considered of choice in cautery-related Grade V injuries. REPORT OF A CASE: A 25-day old Saudi Arabian newborn with Grade V penile injury underwent reconstruction at our tertiary-care center. Upon exploration, the remnant part of the penis under the suprapubic skin was 2.6 cm. This included the root of the penis (estimated to be 1.8 cm long in the newborn) as well as an extra 0.8 cm of corporal length from the pendulous part of the penis which has retracted under the skin. Full release of the suspensory ligament was done. The result at 6 months was satisfactory both functionally and cosmetically. DISCUSSION: Options of management of Grade V injuries include sex-reassignment, phallic reconstruction using flaps, and release of the subcutaneous corporal remnant. We demonstrate that the latter option should be considered of choice in cautery-related Grade V injuries because there is usually preservation of the most proximal part of the corpora of the shaft which becomes retracted under the skin. Hence, the released remnant is of adequate length. CONCLUSION: Post-circumcision Grade V penile injuries of the newborn are best reconstructed with release of the subcutaneous corporal remnant. The neophallus is erectile and has an acceptable length and appearance.