Our Summary

This research paper discusses a method for performing a specific surgical procedure, the panniculectomy (removal of excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen), and skin grafting for patients suffering from a condition known as adult buried penis. The procedure involves making a trapezoid-shaped incision to remove the diseased skin and then replacing it with a graft taken from the patient’s own body.

The paper reports that this procedure was carried out successfully on 19 patients from 2017 to 2019, with all patients showing a 95% or higher graft acceptance rate. Some patients experienced minor complications such as cellulitis (skin infection) and minor dehiscence (wound separation), but none experienced deep vein thrombosis (a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein).

The authors conclude that this outpatient procedure, which allows patients to go home the same or the next day, is an effective treatment option for patients with adult buried penis.

FAQs

  1. What is the procedure described in the research paper for treating adult buried penis?
  2. What were the results and success rate of the procedure performed on patients from 2017 to 2019?
  3. What kind of complications did patients experience after the procedure?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about skin graft surgery is to closely follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include keeping the graft site clean and dry, avoiding excessive movement or stretching of the area, and taking prescribed medications as directed. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor progress and address any concerns that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended skin graft surgery include those with:

  1. Burn injuries: Skin graft surgery is commonly used to treat severe burn injuries where the skin has been damaged or destroyed. The healthy skin is taken from a donor site on the patient’s body and transplanted to the burned area to promote healing and reduce scarring.

  2. Traumatic injuries: Skin graft surgery may be recommended for patients who have suffered traumatic injuries such as deep cuts, lacerations, or skin loss from accidents or surgical procedures. The graft helps to cover the wound and promote tissue regeneration.

  3. Skin cancer: Patients with skin cancer, particularly those with large or deep lesions, may undergo skin graft surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and reconstruct the affected area. The graft can help restore the appearance and function of the skin after tumor removal.

  4. Chronic wounds: Patients with chronic wounds that do not heal properly, such as diabetic ulcers or pressure sores, may benefit from skin graft surgery to promote healing and prevent infection. The graft provides a protective barrier and stimulates tissue regeneration.

  5. Congenital defects: Skin graft surgery may be recommended for patients with congenital defects or abnormalities in the skin, such as birthmarks, moles, or scars. The graft can help improve the appearance and texture of the skin in these cases.

Overall, skin graft surgery is a versatile procedure that can be used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the skin. Patients should consult with a healthcare provider to determine if skin graft surgery is the appropriate treatment option for their specific needs.

Timeline

Before skin graft surgery:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure and determine if the patient is a good candidate for skin graft surgery.
  2. Pre-operative preparation, including obtaining medical history, physical examination, and possibly blood tests or imaging studies.
  3. Consent for surgery and anesthesia.
  4. Planning for the surgery, including determining the size and location of the graft.

After skin graft surgery:

  1. Post-operative care, including monitoring for signs of infection, pain management, and wound care.
  2. Hospital stay for observation and monitoring, if necessary.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and remove any sutures or dressings.
  4. Physical therapy or rehabilitation, if needed, to help with mobility and function.
  5. Long-term scar management, including scar massage and possibly scar revision surgery.
  6. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to assess the long-term results of the skin graft surgery and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the specific procedure for skin graft surgery in my case, and what are the expected outcomes?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period, and what kind of post-operative care will I need?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific dietary or lifestyle restrictions before or after the surgery?
  5. How long will the graft take to heal, and what can I do to promote healing and minimize scarring?
  6. What kind of follow-up care will be necessary after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  8. How experienced are you in performing this specific type of skin graft surgery?
  9. What is the success rate of this procedure in patients with a similar condition to mine?
  10. Are there any specific factors that may impact the success of the surgery in my case, such as my overall health or any medications I am currently taking?

Reference

Authors: Figler BD, Gan ZS, Mohan CS, Zhang Y, Filippou P. Journal: Urology. 2020 Sep;143:255-256. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.04.129. Epub 2020 Jun 24. PMID: 32590082