Treatment of Phimosis with Topical Steroids as Alternative to Circumcision

Background: Topical steroids have been advocated as an effective economical alternative to circumcision in boys with phimosis. This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of topical steroid therapy as primary treatment of phimosis.
Methods: Between December 2003 and February 2005, 182 of the 231 boys aged 14 years or younger who were referred to us with phimosis, were treated with a six weeks course of topical steroids as primary treatment for phimosis. The outcome of treatment was evaluated up to 6 months from the initiation of therapy.
Results: Out of the 182 patients treated with topical 0.1% betamethasone ointment, 141 (77.5%) successfully completed the follow up period. At follow-up 126 patients (89%) had a successful outcome and were able to avoid circumcision. The remaining 15 patients (11%) had little or no improvement and subsequently underwent circumcision.
Conclusion: Topical steroids are becoming the standard conservative measure for treating phimosis. Our study supports this trend, with an overall efficacy of 89%.