THE MANAGEMENT OF PENILE ZIP ENTRAPMENT IN CHILDREN

Thirty boys, aged 2-12 years, presented with penile zip entrapment to one Paediatric Accident and Emergency Department over a 7 year period. The rate of presentation was one zip entrapment per 4068 new patient attendances. In contrast to previous reports, injuries occurred most c ommonly whilst the zip was being done up and whilst underpants were be ing worn. Two types of entrapment were seen, determining the way in wh ich release was achieved. Contrary to previous suggestions, most child ren (26 out of 30) were easily managed in the Accident and Emergency D epartment without general anaesthetic. No patient required circumcisio n or suffered any sequelae. An algorithm for treatment based upon the experience of this study is presented.