Before reading this section, please refer to General instructions after surgery in this section of the website.

Your child has just undergone repair of penile adhesions, which entails separating the adherent foreskin from the head of the penis (glans). Once adhesions are separated, two raw surfaces are created. These wounds are at risk of sticking back together (readhesing) until new skin cells resurface the wounds. You must be very aggressive after surgery with the application of Aquaphor or Vaseline (if Aquaphor is not available) to keep these raw surfaces from readhesing. Until new skin cells resurface the raw areas, your child is at risk of developing another adhesion. This usually takes no more than a week or two, so we recommend using ointment for two weeks after surgery. We prefer Aquaphor because it is less irritating than Vaseline, in our experience. If your child is still wearing diapers, you should apply ointment with each diaper change. If he is potty-trained, apply ointment four times per day, after baths, and at bedtime. When applying ointment, make sure that the skin is pulled completely back so as to expose the ENTIRE head of the penis, including the rim. This can sometimes be difficult if there is swelling, so be persistent and use a Q-tip if necessary.

If you have any questions about you child's penis (i.e. if you think the adhesion is recurring), please call the office. If it is after hours, please wait until the following morning to call, as adhesions are not an emergency.