Abstract

Buried penis (also known as hidden penis) is a congenital or acquired condition, in which the penis is partially or completely hidden below the surface of the skin. It can lead to obstruction of urinary stream, poor hygiene, soft tissue infection, phimosis, and inhibition of normal sexual function. Congenital causes include maldevelopment of penile shaft skin, whereas acquired conditions include morbid obesity, overlaying abdominal fat, or penile injury. Adults with a buried penis will either live with their condition or undergo weight-loss programs. However, weight-loss programs are slow and often do not "unbury" the penis; furthermore, poor hygiene from pooling of urine can lead to soft tissue infection. Patients will eventually need definitive reconstructive surgery and more urgent surgery if infection is present. Surgeons who manage this condition are either reconstructive urologic surgeons or plastic surgeons.

Techniques | Subcutaneous soft silicone implant

Procedure for buried penis is the insertion of a subcutaneous soft silicone implant under the penile skin. The procedure was developed by urologist James J. Elist.