Frenuloplasty: from alpha to omega

Abstract

Frenuloplasty is a common surgical procedure performed on an outpatient basis either for the treatment of frenulum breve alone or as an additional intervention in patients undergoing circumcision. We aimed to provide tips and tricks on performing frenuloplasty, either alone or in combination with circumcision, and to generate a comprehensive review of the available literature on the matter. We suggest that the frenulum should be divided with a scalpel without the use of diathermy and reapproximated with interrupted 4-0 absorbable sutures. Moreover, the frenular artery should be maintained and any injury of the glans must be avoided to ensure optimal functional outcomes. After the procedure, a paraffin gauze filled with antibiotic paste followed by a light compression dressing for one day should be placed to maximize cosmetic results. Regarding the available literature, several methods of frenuloplasty have been described, varying from simple division of the frenulum to more sophisticated grafting or plasty techniques. Both the use of diathermy and the application of laser, with or without suturing of the released frenulum, seem to provide optimal functional and esthetic results. However, the findings of all available studies were mitigated by the relatively small number of included participants and low response rates. Additionally, comparative data or high-quality, long-term functional and cosmetic results on the matter are lacking. Therefore, until high-level evidence regarding frenuloplasty is available, individual clinical judgment should prevail.