Page 29 - Urological Health

Tests:

• History;
• Physical exam; or

• X-rays may be needed if the doctor suspects there is a trapped foreign object.
Treatment:
• To successfully reduce the swelling in the foreskin, the doctor may apply pressure
around the foreskin or may puncture it with a 21-gauge needle many times to
drain the trapped fluid.

• This procedure is an urgent one.
• If the swelling is not reduced, your veins may be dangerously squeezed, the
tissues in your penis may die (necrosis or gangrene).
• If these efforts do not reduce the swelling, you may need surgery (dorsal slit
procedure or urgent circumcision).

5. Penile trauma (including animal bites)
Accidental injury to the penis usually happens because of an animal attack. The doctor will:

• Clean the wound;
• Irrigate and close the tear; or
• Consider medication to protect against rabies.

You may have to see a urologic plastic surgeon to care for the penile skin that is partially or
completely detached.

Watch out for toddlers:
• Toddlers are also prone to injury to their penis or scrotum from a falling toilet seat
while potty training and or by a zipper.
• Parents should not attempt to pull on the zipper because tissue may be torn even
more.
• In the ER, the zipper is released by cutting the median bar of the zipper
mechanism.

Amputation:
• If your penis is amputated, place the cut off part into a clean (preferably sterile)
bag placed on ice for transport.
• The doctor can reattach the penis up to 18 to 24 hours after injury.
• Few places have the technical capability to perform a reimplantation of urethra,
blood vessels, erection chambers, nerves and skin; it is likely that you will need to
be taken to a specialized hospital.

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