Incidence of asymptomatic meatal stenosis in children following neonatal circumcision.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of meatal stenosis after neonatal circumcision.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Male children (5-10 years old) who had been circumcised during the neonatal period and presented at our pediatric clinic for reasons other than urinary complaints were examined and interviewed regarding urination problems.

RESULTS: Of the 132 cases, 27 (20.4%) had severe meatal stenosis (diameter < 5 F). Thickening of the bladder and bilateral hydronephrosis (pyelocaliceal) were found in three cases (11.1%), and a voiding cystourethrogram was performed to reveal vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). One patient had grade II VUR in his right kidney and grade III in his left kidney; another had grade II VUR in both his kidneys.

CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance of follow-up genital examination for all male children who have been circumcised during the neonatal period, to detect possible meatal stenosis.