Penile frenulectomy

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Penile frenulectomy
Synonyms	Frenulectomy of the penis
Pronounce
Specialty	Urology
Symptoms	Tight frenulum, pain during erection
Complications	Bleeding, infection, scarring
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes	Short frenulum, frenulum breve
Risks
Diagnosis	Physical examination
Differential diagnosis
Prevention
Treatment	Surgical procedure
Medication	Local anesthesia
Prognosis	Generally good
Frequency
Deaths

A penile frenulectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of the frenulum of the penis. The frenulum is a band of tissue located on the underside of the penis that connects the glans (head) to the shaft. This procedure is typically performed to alleviate discomfort or pain associated with a short or tight frenulum, a condition known as frenulum breve.

Indications

Penile frenulectomy is indicated in cases where the frenulum is too short, causing pain during erection or sexual intercourse. This condition can lead to tearing of the frenulum, which may result in bleeding and scarring. In some cases, a tight frenulum can also contribute to phimosis, a condition where the foreskin cannot be fully retracted over the glans.

Procedure

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision along the frenulum to release the tension. The tissue is then either removed or repositioned to allow for greater flexibility. The incision is closed with absorbable sutures, which dissolve over time. The entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour.

Recovery

Recovery from a penile frenulectomy is generally quick. Patients are advised to avoid sexual activity and strenuous physical exercise for a few weeks to allow proper healing. Mild discomfort and swelling are common in the first few days post-surgery, but these symptoms usually resolve with time. Pain relief can be managed with over-the-counter medications.

Complications

Complications from penile frenulectomy are rare but can include infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. In some cases, there may be a change in sensation or scarring at the site of the surgery. It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions to minimize the risk of complications.

Benefits

The primary benefit of a penile frenulectomy is the relief of pain and discomfort associated with a tight frenulum. Patients often report improved sexual function and satisfaction following the procedure. Additionally, the risk of frenulum tearing and subsequent complications is significantly reduced.

See Also

• Frenulum breve
• Phimosis
• Circumcision
• Urology