Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis: Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin of the penis, once retracted, cannot return to its original location. The foreskin remains trapped behind the groove (of the coronal sulcus) between the shaft and the glans (the rounded head of the penis). This causes blood to pool in the veins behind the entrapment and swelling ensues. In turn, this leads to severe pain in the penis. The foreskin, with lubrication, can sometimes be reduced. However, this works only if the paraphimosis is discovered early and, because of the pain, the child has to have a short-acting general anesthetic or heavy sedation. Circumcision prevents paraphimosis. Without a foreskin, there can of course be no paraphimosis. Circumcision serves also as a cure for paraphimosis.