Abnormalities of the male genitalia have increased in the last 2 decades in numerous developed countries and remain a frequent reason of consultation in pediatric surgery. The diagnostic spectrum is wide, and surgeons should pay particular attention to these abnormalities because of their potential psychological effect. Anatomically, these abnormalities can affect one of three parts of the penis. First, the foreskin may not be fully retracted. This is normal at birth and can be caused by prepuce adherents that can continue until adolescence. Today, true
phimosis is treated with topical
corticoids from the age of 3 years. If medical treatment fails, a
surgical procedure is required. Second, the urethra can be affected by
hypospadia, which is the most frequent abnormality of the urethra. It is associated with ectopic urethral meatus, hypoplastic foreskin, and penis curvature. Its pathogenic background is not clearly understood. Surgery options differ according to the type of
hypospadia and according to the surgeon's experience. It is sometimes hard to deal with, especially in a perineal form, where genetic and hormonal studies are recommended. These interventions can lead to complications ranging from
stenosis to
fistula. Therefore, parents have to be informed of the benefits and risks of the
surgical procedures.
Epispadias is rare but more serious because of the increasing risk of
urinary incontinence. Finally, abnormalities of the corpora cavernosa - often associated with
hypospadias - can include penis curvature and
micropenis, for which an endocrinological analysis is essential.