Preputial Lymphedema

Abstract

It is unlikely to have a preputial lymphedema not involving the penile skin as well, and isolated penile affection without the scrotum is also uncommon. Acute or transient preputial lymphedema usually following penile surgical procedure, but it may be secondary to other non genital surgical procedures. Chronic penile lymphedema is a relatively rare, reactive, disfiguring condition that causes sexual dysfunction and phimosis. It has been called tumorous lymphedema or elephantiasis verrucosa nostra. Chronic lymphedema is disabling condition with physical and psychological morbidity and complications, including impaired hygiene, sexual disfunction, problems with walking, urinary incontinence and immobility. The majority of cases are due to filarial parasites Wuchereria bancrofti, less often due to bacterial sexually transmitted infections, such as lymphogranuloma venerum, donovanosis and others. Evidence of superimposed streptococcal infection may be present, and this could lead to irreversible lymphatic damage. Other cases seem to be idiopathic and are perhaps brought about by primary hypoplastic lymphatics. Some patients have a coexistent penile dermatosis. Few cases of chronic penile oedema have been reported and the aetiopathogenesis may have been misunderstood.