The prevalence of external genital organ anomalies among the male students attending primary schools in Kahramanmaraş

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to find the rates of the external genital organ anomalies in male children attending primary schools in our city. 

Materials and methods: Following obtaining the legal approval for screening, 3,500 male children attending to 9 primary schools were included into the study. All students were examined by an urologist and a pediatric surgeon in their school and external genital organ anomalies were recorded. 

Results: Age of the children ranged from 6 to 17 years (10.55±2.55). The anomalies were identified in 459 students (13.1%) among 3,500 participants. The anomalies were circumcision complications (4.1%), retractile testis (3.1%), inguinal hernia (1.8%), hypospadias (1.4%), undescended testis (1.3%), and hydrocele (1.1%). 

Conclusion: The rate of external genital anomalies was found to be quite high in our study. The results suggest that screening examinations during primary school ages and family care are insufficient. A health control system that would provide the early diagnosis and treatment of external genital anomalies in preschool and school ages should be developed.