Distribution of Meatal Stenosis According to Age Following the Dorsal Slit Technique and Its Effects on the Urinary System: Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Objective: Meatal stenosis after circumcision is a concerning complication that may require various interventions. Its age-related distribution remains unclear, and its effects on the urinary system are not fully understood. We aimed to evaluate the age-related distribution and urinary system effects of meatal stenosis following the dorsal slit technique. Material and Methods: A total of 5,422 cases who underwent circumcision using the dorsal slit technique were evaluated for meatal stenosis. Cases diagnosed with meatal stenosis were divided into 3 groups based on the age range. Surgical or non-surgical interventions were performed on the cases. Cases with anomalies in the urogenital system were excluded from the study. The age-related distribution and urinary system effects of these cases were evaluated. Results: Meatal stenosis was detected in 377 (6.95%) of the 5,422 circumcised cases. The age-related distribution of meatal stenosis and the frequency of undergoing meatoplasty were statistically significant between patients who underwent meatoplasty and those who did not (p<0.05). However, the comparison of urinary system effects by age group between these 2 groups was not found to be statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that meatal stenosis is a common complication following the dorsal slit technique, that younger age at circumcision is associated with a higher incidence of meatal stenosis, and that meatoplasty procedures are more frequently required in such cases. Furthermore, the potential effects of meatal stenosis on the urinary system should be carefully considered in affected patients.