It was first defined in 1919 as the penile skin retraction, where the penis is at the same level with the skin of the abdomen, thigh and scrotum, and the penis cannot be seen although the penile body is normal. In another definition, it is the situation in which the penis is visually small despite the average length and diameter accepted when the penis is stretched according to age grouping.
In addition to the term buried penis in pathologies related to penis length, different terminologies such as hidden, concealed, trapped or webbed penis are used. Although the underlying causes are different in these groupings, the development of the penis is basically normal, there is only a visually small penis. Although the development of the penis is normal, it is a very unsettling situation for families. For this reason, it is necessary to distinguish it from micropenis, which is a completely different situation and insufficient development of the penis.
In physical examination, when the suprapubic adipose tissue (fatty tissue below the navel and just above the penis) is pressed, the penile skin slides down, the penile body is revealed, and if the penile length is in the range of average and standard deviation for age, the penile body remains small, and If it is measured below standard deviations, it is called micropenis.
Although the underlying cause was previously thought to be obesity, the large size of children and insufficient incision of the foreskin, this is actually due to insufficient connections between the fasciae (the tissue between the skin surrounding the penis and the skin).
The need for treatment is controversial. Doctors, who argue that treatment is unnecessary, justify that this disease is seen especially in childhood and that very few patients consult a doctor with this complaint in adulthood. It is claimed that this disease disappears when children lose weight in advanced ages and the penis length increases with age. The opposing view, on the other hand, argues that the psychological and social development of the cases is worse and that early surgery prevents these negativities. Surgical necessity in children; conditions such as recurrent balanitis, secondary phimosis, inability to control the penis during urination, inability to maintain urinary flow, social embarrassment and family anxiety.
Although it is generally considered as a benign pathology by pediatric surgeons and urologists, it is a worrying situation for families and elderly patients and can cause serious psychological problems. Patients who apply to the outpatient clinic should be evaluated carefully. Families and patients should be informed that the development of the penis is normal and there is only a visual disorder. Treatment options should be explained according to the underlying cause, and treatment methods should be planned by making a decision together with the family. In other words, the aim of the treatment is to eliminate the psychosocial pressure that may occur in the family and the person, and psychological disorders such as depression and lack of self-confidence that may occur in the future, as well as the elimination of conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections, balanitis, skin adhesions, urination disorders, and inability to hold the penis.
