Phimosis Treatment in Bangladesh - Affordable Laser Treatment

What are the Treatment Options for Phimosis?

Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options for phimosis can range from non-surgical to surgical. For mild cases of phimosis, topical steroid-based phimosis creams can be an effective treatment for phimosis in adulthood. If your condition is caused by an underlying condition or infection (such as balanitis), your healthcare provider may prescribe you with relevant medications to address the underlying cause.

However, when non-surgical alternatives fail to show any improvement or your condition returns soon after, your urologist may recommend a surgical approach. Circumcision or foreskin removal surgery is a commonly performed surgical procedure that is often performed to treat various foreskin-related conditions including phimosis. There are primarily 3 methods of circumcision surgery:

• Laser Circumcision: Laser circumcision (laser-assisted foreskin removal surgery) is a medically advanced and minimally invasive urological procedure that is commonly performed to treat various foreskin-related conditions including phimosis. The entire procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and does not take more than 10 to 15 minutes to complete. As the name suggests, laser circumcision surgery utilizes a medical-grade laser to cut and remove the foreskin. The laser is manually operated and moved around the predetermined incision line by the urologist. Laser circumcision is an extremely precise procedure that ensures maximum preservation of tissue surrounding the penis without the risk of excessive bleeding or deep cuts. As a result, the recovery period associated with the surgery is fairly short as well (about 7-10 days). Laser circumcision is typically performed on an outpatient basis. This means that once the surgery is complete and there are no immediate complications, you will be able to go home on the same day of surgery.
• Stapler Circumcision: Stapler circumcision is another surgical procedure that your surgeon may recommend to treat phimosis. Stapler circumcision utilizes a stapler device (an advanced surgical tool) to cut and remove the foreskin. This stapler device is disposable and if used once, it cannot be used again. This device goes over the head of the penis and if placed correctly, should fit snugly around the head of the penis. When this stapler device is fired, it cuts the foreskin in one quick motion and seals the incision wound almost immediately with a silicone ring. This silicone ring is specially designed to minimize bleeding and promote recovery. This ring does not need to be removed either and will fall off on its own once the incision wound has healed completely (which usually requires 10 to 14 days). Similar to laser circumcision, the stapler procedure is an outpatient surgery and is typically performed under local anesthesia. Once the surgery is complete, you will likely be able to go home soon after.
• Open Circumcision: Open circumcision is a more conventional method of phimosis treatment that utilizes surgical scissors and scalpels to remove the foreskin. In an open circumcision surgery, the surgeon makes an incision along the outer edge of the foreskin to separate it from the underlying tissue. Once the foreskin has been separated, the incision wound is closed off using dissolvable sutures. Compared to laser and stapler procedures, open circumcision is a more invasive surgery that carries a slightly increased risk of complications such as bleeding and infection. Open circumcision is typically performed under local anesthesia. But, depending on your overall health and preference, your surgeon may use general anesthesia. Open circumcision is usually performed on an outpatient basis as well. However, your urologist may instruct you to spend a night at the hospital.

What To Expect After Phimosis Surgery?

Typically, it does not take more than 10-15 minutes for phimosis surgery to be completed. Once the surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery area. Here, you will be kept under observation by your doctor and nurses. If there are any problems, they will be addressed promptly. Once your doctor is assured there are no complications, you will be allowed to go home on the same day. However, your urologist will likely instruct you to follow some guidelines and precautions. These guidelines are designed by your doctor to ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the chances of any complications as much as possible. These include:

• Diet: After your phimosis surgery, you will be able to return to your normal diet. However, make sure to avoid any junk or highly processed foods. Instead, opt for fiber and protein-rich foods. It is also advised to stay sufficiently hydrated. Generally, doctors advise to drink at least 1-2 liters of water every day. If you are feeling nauseous due to the anesthesia, it is recommended to drink clear liquids and have a light meal in the evening after the surgery.
• Activity: Refrain from any strenuous activities or exercises for at least the first 72 hours after phimosis operation. However, avoid being sedentary as well. It is advised to go for a brisk walk for a few minutes every 2 to 3 hours. This is good enough to maintain a good circulation of blood throughout the body. After 2 to 3 days, you will be able to return to your daily routines. However, strenuous or high-impact exercises are still to be avoided.
• Wound Care: To ease off some of the swelling and pain, apply an ice pack over the genitals for the first 48 hours to 72 hours. However, avoid holding the ice pack over the genitals for too long. It is advised to alternate between 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. Use a thin cloth or towel in between the skin and an ice pack to reduce skin irritation.
• Sexual Activities: Abstain from any sexual activities (such as masturbation) or sexual intercourse for at least 4 to 5 weeks after your phimosis surgery. It is also advised to avoid any erections as much as you can. Engaging in sexual activities or intercourse could disrupt the stitches and interfere with the recovery. In some cases, it may even lead to bleeding. Hence, it is best to avoid it until your doctor thinks it’s safe to do so.
• Hygiene: You can start taking a shower after 48 hours of your foreskin removal surgery. However, avoid bathing in a tub or submerging the penis in water for at least 4 weeks. Avoid using harsh soaps as well. Instead, use soft soap on the penis and wash it off with warm water. It is also advised to not let the water hit the penis glans directly. Instead, gently pull back the penile tissue to expose the suture line and allow water to hit your abdomen. Then, allow the water to run down to the area.
• Medications: In most cases, postoperative care for foreskin removal surgery does not include any medications. If you require, your urologist will provide you with a prescription pain management pill. It is also advised to avoid Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil, and Motrin, for at least 72 hours after surgery. Such medications can lead to bleeding and cause complications.
• Follow-ups: It is imperative that you attend all the follow-up consultations scheduled by your healthcare provider. These consultations will help your doctor keep track of your recovery and make sure there are no complications. These consultations are also a good opportunity to ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding the recovery.
• Symptoms To Look Out For: If you notice any symptoms during recovery or have excessive pain around the surgical site, it is imperative that you contact your urologist as soon as possible. Some symptoms to keep an eye out for during recovery include:
  • A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
  • Moderate or severe swelling under the swelling
  • Redness around the genital area that appears to be spreading
  • Adverse reactions to drugs, such as rash, vomiting, or difficulty breathing

Postoperative Care and Recovery

Generally, a complete recovery after foreskin removal surgery takes anywhere from 7 to 10 days. However, most patients are able to return to their normal routines in just 2-3 days after surgery. It is also to be kept in mind that depending on your overall health, quality of postoperative care, and method of your foreskin removal surgery, the exact recovery time may differ. In case your recovery takes longer than expected, do not panic and consult with your healthcare provider.

As previously mentioned, certain postoperative side effects, such as swelling, pain, and bruising, are to be expected. These side effects are considered normal and are not indicative of any complications. However, if they continue to persist or worsen over time, you must inform your urologist about them as soon as possible. Complications of any kind after a phimosis surgery are rare. But to minimize the chances of any postoperative problems or complications, your urologist will likely instruct you to keep certain precautions and guidelines in mind. These guidelines are categorized into things you should follow and avoid during recovery.

Things To Follow During Recovery

To help you recover and minimize the chances of any complications, below is a list of things you should perform after balanitis surgery:

• Stay hydrated. Drink 2-3 liters of water every day.
• Perform low-impact exercises such as walking
• Eat nutritious food that is rich in protein and fiber
• Wear comfortable, snug underwear that can hold the penis and surgical dressing in place
• Attend all postoperative follow-ups scheduled by your doctor

Things To Avoid During Recovery

To minimize the chances of complications after your phimosis, your urologist will likely instruct you to avoid some things, such as:

• Avoid eating junk or highly processed foods
• Avoid strenuous activities or contact sports such as football
• Avoid going to swimming pools or using public lavatories for a few weeks after surgery
• Refrain from sexual intercourse or any sexual activities for at least 4 to 5 weeks after surgery
• Refrain from consuming alcohol or smoking
• Avoid wearing baggy boxer shorts

How To Prevent Phimosis?

Phimosis is typically preventable with good genital hygiene. Cleaning the penis thoroughly can help tremendously with preventing phimosis. Additionally, avoid rough handling of the foreskin and practice safe sex to reduce the chances of STDs. As part of prevention, your urologist may also ask you to follow some guidelines, such as:

• Clean under your foreskin with warm water daily
• Use mild, non-perfumed soap while cleaning under the foreskin
• Avoid retracting the foreskin too much.
• Avoid the use of deodorants or talc on the penis

Risks and Complications

While actual cases of complications after foreskin removal surgery are rare, they can still happen and should not be taken lightly. Some risks and complications that are associated with foreskin removal surgery to treat balanitis are given below:

• Bleeding: While minor bleeding after a foreskin removal surgery is to be expected, excessive or persistent bleeding could be a sign of complications. If you notice any symptoms of bleeding, apply direct pressure on the surgical site. This is usually enough to bring the bleeding under control. Once the bleeding has stopped, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Infection: Infection is another complication that can occur after your phimosis surgery. Symptoms of a postoperative infection typically include fever, chills, drainage of yellowish pus from the surgical site, or redness around the penis. In such a case, you must seek medical advice from your doctor as soon as possible. If caught early, most cases of infections can be treated with non-surgical alternatives such as antibiotics.
• Meatal Stenosis: Meatal stenosis is a rare complication that may occur after phimosis surgery. Meatal stenosis is a condition where the opening at the end of the penis becomes narrower than normal, leading to difficulty urinating. While some steroid creams may provide you with relief, a surgical procedure known as meatotomy is considered to be the best treatment for meatal stenosis.
• Insufficient or Excessive Foreskin Removal: Due to improper placement of the stapler device or imprecise incisions, there can be insufficient or excessive removal of the foreskin. Due to this, you may experience certain functional issues with the penis, which could also lead to unsatisfactory cosmetic results. In such a case, you may require a revision foreskin removal surgery for treatment.

Inclusion cysts: Inclusion cysts are asymptomatic cysts that may form along the incision line due to accumulation of smegma. These cysts usually aren’t a problem but can become one if they become infected. In such a case, you may require surgical excision of the cysts.

How to Treat Phimosis Without Surgery?

Before going forward with surgery, your urologist may try a non-surgical approach to treat your condition. Some of the most commonly recommended non-surgical treatments for phimosis in adulthood include:

• Antibiotics: Penis infections are one of the most common causes of pathological phimosis in adults. In such cases, treating the underlying infection with antibiotics may help relieve your phimosis symptoms. Some of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics to treat phimosis include Amoxicillin, Doxycycline, Metronidazole, and Clarithromycin.
• Phimosis Creams: There are a multitude of steroid and non-steroid-based phimosis creams and ointments that are commonly prescribed by urologists to treat mild cases of phimosis. When paired with foreskin stretching exercises, these can help loosen the foreskin and relieve phimosis symptoms. Some of the most commonly prescribed phimosis creams and ointments include Betnovate-N, Temovate, Canestan, Elocon, and Ilotycin.
• Foreskin Stretching Exercises: Gently pulling the top of the foreskin using 2 fingers can also help you relieve phimosis symptoms. However, it is advised to stay extremely cautious while performing these exercises. Avoid stretching the foreskin too much. If the stretching causes you any pain, stop immediately.
• Retracting Exercises: Retracting the foreskin over the penis glans regularly may also encourage better stretching of the foreskin. It is advised to use lubricants such as coconut oil or water while performing such exercises for easier retraction. It is important to use extra caution during such exercises and avoid forcefully stretching the foreskin.
• Good Penile Hygiene: Maintaining proper hygiene of the penis can prove to be quite effective in treating mild cases of phimosis. Make sure to use mild soap and thoroughly clean the penis regularly with warm water. To clean under the foreskin, you can use cotton swabs for this purpose. Maintaining good penile hygiene is a great way to avoid excess buildup of any bacteria or smegma.

What to Eat and What to Avoid to Cure Phimosis

Eating a healthy diet is essential when it comes to preventing phimosis and reducing its symptoms. Some of the foods that you should prioritize eating and some foods you should avoid if you are suffering from phimosis symptoms are given below:

Foods To Eat

• Fiber-rich Foods: Wheat, rye, barley, oranges, oats, and melons
• Protein-rich Foods: Seafood, eggs, chicken, dairy products, lentils, beans, etc.
• Green Vegetables and Veggies: Spinach, Kale, Brocolli etc
• Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cherries.
• Carbohydrates-rich Foods: Oats, potatoes, rice, beans, bread, etc.

Foods To Avoid

• Canned Foods
• Fast ad Junk Foods
• Highly Processed Foods
• Sugary Foods and Drinks
• Alcoholic Beverages

What Happens if Phimosis is Left Untreated?

If phimosis is left untreated for a long period, it can lead to serious consequences that could have a significant impact on your daily life. Complications such as recurrent penis infection, gangrene, urinary retention, and in some serious cases, complete loss of the penis are commonly associated with untreated cases of phimosis. Additionally, certain studies also suggest a correlation between phimosis and an increased risk of developing penile cancer further down the line.

If you are struggling with painful phimosis symptoms, it is advised to get in touch with us and consult a qualified urologist and undergo a phimosis cure in Bangladesh.