Urology Mythbusters: are topical corticosteroids effective for treating postcircumcision penile adhesions?. Issue 2 (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kurtz, Michael P.; Nelson, Caleb P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of pediatric urology. Volume 16:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 226
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Penile adhesions -- Topical corticosteroids -- Circumcision; Pediatric urology -- Periodicals; Urologic Diseases -- Periodicals; Urogenital Diseases -- Periodicals; Urologic Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Child; Infant; Urologie pédiatrique -- Périodiques; Appareil urinaire -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Pédiatrie; Urologie; Pediatric urology; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 618.926
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.02.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-5131

Abstract

Summary: In this edition of Mythbusters, we evaluate the common claim that topical corticosteroids (TCS) can be used for treatment of postcircumcision penile adhesions (PCPA). Although many textbooks and websites of respected pediatric institutions include topical steroids as one of the options for treatment of PCPA, the scientific basis of this claim is unclear and none of the references we found cited any specific sources. In review of the literature, we could find no peer-reviewed studies that support (or even assess) the utility of TCS for PCPA. It appears that the claims regarding TCS may be extrapolations from the demonstrated effectiveness of TCS for phimosis and related problems, although these are different conditions with different etiologies. We conclude that there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of TCS for PCPA. The verdict for this urolegend: 'Debunked.'