Support Apparatus for Paraphimosis

If paraphimosis occurs, the penis must be supported to avoid dependent edema and further trauma. There are a number of devices designed to hold the flaccid penis upward near the ventral abdomen or within the prepuce, including the use of an open-ended bottle, a mesh support, purse-string sutures in the preputial opening, or a probang device. The mesh support works well when the penis will not easily return to the prepuce. The preputial purse-string suture is low maintenance and works if the penis can be completely reduced into the preputial cavity. The probang device is used when the penis can be returned to the prepuce and avoids a purse-string suture in the prepuce, allowing for easier examination/treatment of the penis/prepuce. The chapter discusses the step by step procedures for utilizing the support apparatus for paraphimosis.