In Reply to: Concerned about son's foreskin surgery & UTI posted by Kevin on October 05, 2000 at 08:42:41:

I would certainly seek a 2nd opinion. While there is a risk of permanent damage from continued UTIs, if surgery can be avoided I would certainly explore it. I can't help with the non-surgical foreskin retraction. My husband has been circumsized and both my kids are girls.

Lisa

: Hi,
: I am concerned about my six year old son who is booked in to have
: some surgery in a weeks time. Under a general anesthetic he will
: have the adhesions to his foreskin removed.

: Basically I am concerned about the risks of a general anesthetic
: and the need to have the surgery in the first place.

: A little background:

: Three months ago my son got a urinary tract infection, and has
: been on many different antibiotics to help clear it up. The doctors
: didn't test the antibiotics for effectiveness against his infection
: (proteus mirabilis) until quite late into the treatment. He has had
: many 'general' antibiotics which we now know were not effective
: against p.mirabilis. Consequently the doctor said he had to have
: a MCUG (VCUG in the U.S) and ultrasound in order to check that
: he did not have a reflux condition and to check his internal
: organs were ok - thankfully all was fine. He still has chronic
: cystitis and so is on a further course of the appropriate antibiotic.

: The doctor could not tell us of the cause of the infection except
: to say that "it is just part of the natural flora an fauna".

: To help prevent further infection the doctor has recommend that
: my son have the adhesions removed so that he can fully retract
: his foreskin. While I am very pleased he did not suggest
: circumcision I am still concerned about him having any form of
: surgery in this sensitive area and also concerned about him
: having a general anesthetic.

: I have read the guidelines on the AAP site (American Academy of
: Pediatrics) and now understand that some boys don't achieve
: full retraction until they are 18 years old. So it would appear that
: there is nothing unusual in that my son can't fully retract at six
: years.

: I have read of a non-surgical technique to help with foreskin
: retraction which involves a steroidal cream - does anyone have
: experience of this and know if it is likely to be effective?

: Does any one know of any other non-surgical treatment which
: would enable my son to fully retract his foreskin?

: I know that if my son were to get another UTI there is a risk of
: permanent damage to his kidneys but I wonder with proper
: hygiene this can be avoided. Also I would like to think that if
: he did get another UTI that the most effective antibiotic would
: be prescribed in the first place so as to 'nip it in the bud'.

: I would rather wait and see if he gets another UTI than put him
: through the ordeal and risks of surgery - I am I being paranoid ?

: any comments welcome,

: thanks,

: Kevin