Silicone foam dressing for penis after reconstructive pediatric surgery.

Although silicone foam has been used abroad as an effective means to dress the penis after hypospadias surgery, its use has not been widespread in the United States. We have modified the method to apply the foam in order to facilitate its use. We used this method to dress the penis with silicone foam in 50 boys after reconstructive surgery. The dressing appeared to be effective in restricting edema and hematoma formation. Also, the dressing stabilized the indwelling urethral catheter thereby preventing disruption of the glansplasty. The urethrocutaneous fistula rate (10%) was not reduced by use of the foam. The dressings uncommonly fell off prematurely. The boys appeared to experience little discomfort while the foam was in place and during its removal.