Penile strangulation by human hair. Report of three cases and review of the literature.

Sixty cases of penile strangulation by human hair are reviewed. The condition has also been labelled 'penile tourniquet syndrome.' It is worldwide in distribution and has been reported from many countries including Algeria, Egypt, England, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the United States. Whether accidental, incidental to circumcision or intentional, it could lead to serious complications: urethral fistula, urethral stricture, penile deformity, gangrene and amputation. It is not always easily recognizable and the physician should keep it in mind whenever a boy, or even an older man, presents with unexplained swelling of the penis.