The Relationship between Phimosis, Smegma, and Preputial Bacteria with Inflammatory Status of Circumcised Patient

Abstract

Phimosis is the inability of the penis to potrude from the prepuce either partially or completely and the preputial retractability increases with age. Circumcision is believed by various parties as a form of defense against pathogens that may cause various abnormalities. Smegma is whitish lump that formed from desquamation of preputial epithelial cells. Smegma and bacteria in the prepuce may cause abnormalities such as genital infections, urinary tract infections, and even malignancy. This study aims to determine the presence between phimosis, smegma, and preputial bacteria, and its relationship with inflammatory status of circumcised patient. A cross sectional analytical study for boys who underwent circumcision at Saiful Anwar General Hospital Malang. The data will be analyzed using chi-square and will be calculated for the relative risk. There were 76 patients who underwent circumcision from March 2018 until August 2018. The result was found that the presence of phimosis was significantly associated with the presence of smegma and preputial bacteria (p <0.01) with a risk of 30x and 8x respectively. However, the presence of smegma and preputial bacteria in the prepuce was not significantly associated with the inflammatory status in the prepuce (p = 0.541 & p = 0.084). In conclusion, the presence of phimosis has a significant risk in the formation of smegma and the growth of preputial bacteria.