Frenular Grafting: An Alternative to Circumcision in Men with a Combination of Tight Frenulum and Phimosis

Frenuloplasty: from alpha to omega

Frenuloplasty is a common surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis either for the treatment of frenulum breve alone or as an additional intervention in patients undergoing circumcision. We aimed to provide tips and tricks on performing frenuloplasty, either alone or in combination with circumcision, and to generate a comprehensive review of the available literature on the matter. We suggest that the frenulum should be divided with a scalpel without the use of diathermy and reapproximated with interrupted 4-0 absorbable sutures. Moreover, the frenular artery should be maintained and any injury of the glans must be avoided to ensure optimal functional outcomes. After the procedure, a paraffin gauze filled with antibiotic paste followed by a light compression dressing for one day should be placed to maximize cosmetic results. Regarding the available literature, several methods of frenuloplasty have been described, varying from simple division of the frenulum to more sophisticated grafting or plasty techniques. Both the use of diathermy and the application of laser, with or without suturing of the released frenulum, seem to provide optimal functional and esthetic results. However, the findings of all available studies were mitigated by the relatively small number of included participants and low response rates. Additionally, comparative data or high-quality, long-term functional and cosmetic results on the matter are lacking. Therefore, until high-level evidence regarding frenuloplasty is available, individual clinical judgment should prevail.

Meatal stenosis after surgical correction of short frenulum: Is the "pull-and-burn" method the way to go?

Background and Objectives

The surgical correction of a short frenulum includes several procedures that vary in complexity of the technique and the use of stitches, lasers, or skin grafts. However, little is known about the effect of these procedures on meatal stenosis. A possible association of frenular artery trauma during circumcision and subsequent meatal stenosis has raised concerns regarding the importance of frenulum preservation. We hereby report our experience over 15 years of applying the "pull-and-burn" method for short frenulum correction.

Patients and Methods

A total of 236 patients underwent the "pull-and-burn" procedure for short frenulum under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis between November 2002 and November 2017. The method is suture free and involves tearing the frenulum superficially and vertically by the aid of a low-power, high-frequency hyfrecator, avoiding the underlying frenular vessels. Patients were advised for a regular follow-up visit at 2-3 months postoperatively and were reviewed for symptoms and signs suggestive of meatal stenosis.

Results

Follow-up files were available for 228 patients (96.6%). No symptoms suggestive of meatal stenosis (dysuria and stream pattern abnormalities) were reported by any patient. Examination of the urethral meatus revealed normal appearance, with no signs of edema or scarring in all the 228 patients.

Conclusions

The "pull-and-burn" method is a simple and safe procedure for the correction of short frenulum that respects anatomically the delicate vasculature of the frenular area, resulting in the preservation of the integrity of the urethral meatus.