Prognosis and surgical experience of inner foreskin free grafting for the treatment of penile divided nevus in children.

BACKGROUND

This study analyzes the outcomes of 15 children who underwent inner foreskin free grafting for penile divided nevus to propose a grading system for evaluating post-operative appearance and share key surgical techniques and experiences.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected from children diagnosed with penile divided nevus between July 2023 and January 2025. The appearance was graded based on the color match between the penis and the transplanted skin, as well as whether the grafted skin was flat.

RESULTS

A total of 15 children with penile divided nevus were enrolled, with an average age of 9.6 ± 3.0 years (ranging from 3 to 16 years). The size of the nevus on the penis ranged from 1 × 0.5 cm to 3 × 2 cm, and the nevus on the inner foreskin ranged from 1 × 0.5 cm to 3 × 2 cm. Pathological analysis confirmed junctional nevi in 3 children and compound nevi in 12 children. All grafts showed good viability with postoperative follow-ups 5.8 ± 3.0 months. Ten cases were classified as grade I in terms of appearance, 1 case as grade II, 3 cases as grade III, and 1 case as grade IV. In one case, newly developed pigmented nevi were observed around the grafted area and in the coronal sulcus at 1 month postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

The free skin grafting technique using inner foreskin for the treatment of penile divided nevus has a high skin graft survival rate. Preoperative separation of preputial adhesions and performing the surgery after complete keratinization of the glans and inner foreskin are essential.