A Nonsurgical Approach To the Treatment of Phimosis: Local Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Ointment Application

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of topical application of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ointment for phimosis. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 children with phimosis was included in this study. Phimosis was graded according to severity. Of the patients 32 were given locally a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ointment prepared in ophthalmic usage form from sterile diclofenac sodium ampules (not commercially available). The control group comprised 20 patients given sterile petrolatum ointment. Patients were seen before and after treatment, and graded according to retractibility and appearance of the foreskin. Treatment continued for 4 weeks with 3 applications daily. Results: Of the 32 patients 24 responded to therapy and 8 remained unchanged or had insufficient improvement. Three controls responded to therapy and 17 did not. There were no side effects. Conclusions: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ointment application for phimosis may be an alternative to surgery and steroid application.