The penoscrotal web is a fold of skin that extends from beneath the penis to the scrotum, causing the scrotum to appear elevated. It can make the penis seem shorter than it actually is. This condition may be present from birth due to congenital abnormalities or can arise from excessive circumcision. Men may seek correction of the penoscrotal webbing for various reasons, such as the appearance of a shorter penis, discomfort during exercise, pain during sexual activities, or difficulties in using condoms. It can also lead to a ‘turkey-neck deformity’, affecting sexual intercourse or causing psychological concerns.
Types of Penoscrotal Web
- Congenital (present from birth)
- Mild, moderate, and severe degrees
- Resulting from over-resection after circumcision
Treatment Options
- Mild penoscrotal webbing can be treated by making a transverse incision, closing the wound gap vertically, and excising dog-ear edges to prevent an unattractive appearance.
- Mild webbing may be addressed with a single or double Z-plasty.
- Moderate webbing may involve excision of triangular skin in the penoscrotal area with a V-Y-plasty. Additional procedures, such as scrotal lift, scrotoplasty, or scrotum reduction, may be necessary.
- More severe webbing may require the excision of excess skin along the midline with a Z-plasty at the penoscrotal junction to prevent recurrent scar shrinking.
- Double V penoscrotal repair is also an available option.
Note that scrotal reduction surgery is not recommended for young patients as it may affect the testes’ temperature regulation and lead to infertility.
Cost of Penoscrotal Webbing Operations
The cost of penoscrotal web repair (excluding scrotal lift or scrotum reduction) is ยฃ1350.
Aftercare
Pain for a few days after the procedure is normal, and simple painkillers can help alleviate discomfort.
Urination is usually OK after the procedure.
- Expect swelling and bruising of the penis shaft and scrotum for 2 to 3 weeks; this will lessen gradually.
- Bleeding after the repair is rare but can be stopped with pressure or a bandage.
- A dressing (bandage) is applied around the wound line to prevent swelling and remains for three days.
- Full wound healing takes 2-3 weeks, and you can return to work when comfortable, typically within 2-3 days.
- Heavy manual jobs should be avoided for 2-3 weeks.
- Rinse the wound gently daily after ten days if it is dry, and shower regularly.
- Avoid going to the gym and lifting heavy weights for 3 weeks.
- Refrain from sexual activity for 4-6 weeks to prevent wound breakdown.
Risks of Penoscrotal Webbing Operation
Common risks include bruising around the incision line, bleeding, infection, wound gap, keloid scarring, a redo operation, and poor outcomes. When considering this operation, it’s important to weigh the benefits against these risks.
Please read what our satisfied patients say about their experiences with penoscrotal web reduction surgery and confidently book your appointment.