Dealing with Adhesion Between Foreskin and Glans After Injury

Q: Dealing with Adhesion Between Foreskin and Glans After Injury

Hello： Regarding wound care and whether surgical treatment is necessary, it may require you to visit the outpatient clinic for an evaluation before a treatment plan can be determined. <br>As for the swelling of the wound, it typically subsides naturally once the inflammatory resp

After wound healing, the foreskin is stuck to the glans!

Hello, doctor! I accidentally suffered a second-degree burn on the glans and the foreskin of my penis.
After being discharged, my attending physician only prescribed "Lifuh" ointment, and it has been 40 days since January 10th, with very slow wound healing.
In the past two days, during dressing changes, I noticed that about 0.5 cm of the glans is covered by the foreskin and cannot be retracted (I had some foreskin left after circumcision during military service).
When I consulted my attending physician during my follow-up visit, he didn’t even examine it and told me to retract it myself to apply the ointment, but I can’t do it! At home, I’ve been pulling the foreskin while trying to retract the glans, causing bleeding and extreme pain.
The foreskin and glans are still stuck together, and worse, I’ve noticed that I experience pain during erections, which feels like a tight, throbbing pain that prevents me from achieving a full erection; it quickly goes soft again.

Doctor, I have a few questions:
1.
Do I need to undergo another surgery?
2.
If surgery is necessary, will it be covered by health insurance?
3.
The area around my frenulum is swollen larger than the glans, and the wound has not yet healed! After healing, will the swelling subside? (The burn occurred while I was in an erect state...) Thank you for patiently reading my rather humorous inquiry.

A-Hong, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/02/19

Dr. Lin Wenxu reply Urology

Hello: Regarding wound care and whether surgical treatment is necessary, it may require you to visit the outpatient clinic for an evaluation before a treatment plan can be determined.
As for the swelling of the wound, it typically subsides naturally once the inflammatory response improves.
Wishing you health and happiness.

Reply Date: 2013/02/19

More Info

Dealing with adhesions between the foreskin and glans after an injury can be a challenging and sensitive issue. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing significant discomfort and complications following a second-degree burn injury to your penis. Here are some insights and recommendations regarding your situation.

1. Understanding the Condition: After a burn injury, it is not uncommon for the skin to heal in a way that can lead to adhesions. Adhesions occur when the skin surfaces that should normally glide over each other become stuck together. In your case, the foreskin and glans appear to have adhered, making it difficult and painful to retract the foreskin. This can lead to further complications, including pain during erections, as you have described.

2. Need for Surgical Intervention: Given the severity of your symptoms—persistent pain, inability to retract the foreskin, and the presence of adhesions—it may be necessary to consider surgical intervention. A procedure known as a circumcision or a partial circumcision may be recommended to remove the adhesions and prevent further complications. It is crucial to consult a urologist or a specialist in male genital health for a thorough examination and to discuss the best course of action.

3. Insurance Coverage: Regarding insurance coverage for any surgical procedure, this can vary significantly based on your location, the specifics of your health insurance plan, and the medical necessity of the procedure. In many cases, if the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to complications from an injury, it may be covered. It is advisable to check with your healthcare provider and insurance company to understand your coverage options.

4. Healing and Swelling: The swelling you are experiencing in the area around the glans may be a result of the injury and the subsequent healing process. In many cases, swelling can take time to resolve, especially if there is ongoing irritation or if the area is not healing properly due to the adhesions. Once the adhesions are addressed and the area is allowed to heal properly, the swelling should gradually decrease. However, this can take time, and it is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor the healing process.

5. Pain Management: In the meantime, managing your pain is crucial. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help alleviate some discomfort. However, you should consult your doctor before taking any medications, especially if you have other underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

6. Follow-Up Care: It is essential to maintain regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. If your current doctor is not addressing your concerns adequately, consider seeking a second opinion from a urologist who specializes in this area. They can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

In summary, your situation requires careful attention and possibly surgical intervention to resolve the adhesions and alleviate your symptoms. It is important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns and to seek additional opinions if necessary. Your health and comfort are paramount, and there are options available to help you recover fully.

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