Non-surgical Balloon Foreskin Stretching: A Cost-effective and Patient-centric Approach for the Treatment of Adult Male Phimosis

Introduction: 

Adult male phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin of the penis is tight and cannot be easily retracted. The condition can cause discomfort, pain, and increase the risk of infections. In the past, the only available treatment options for adult male phimosis were circumcision surgery or topical steroid creams. However, the introduction of non-surgical foreskin stretching using balloon catheters, such as the Novoglan Phimosis Treatment, has revolutionized the treatment of phimosis.

Clinical Evidence:

Several clinical studies have shown that non-surgical foreskin stretching using balloon catheters is an effective and safe treatment option for adult male phimosis. A study by Gross et al. (2019) found that the use of a balloon catheter, a similar but inferiois  product to the Novoglan device, resulted in a high success rate of over 90% and low adverse effects in the treatment of adult male phimosis.

Cost-effectiveness:

Non-surgical balloon foreskin stretching is a cost-effective alternative to circumcision surgery or specially formulated skin conditioning creams for the treatment of adult male phimosis. Circumcision surgery can cost between AUD $700 and $2,000 or more, depending on the clinic and location, while the Novoglan Phimosis Treatment costs AUD $240 for the full treatment. The cost of the Novoglan Phimosis Treatment is a one-time investment and does not require multiple visits to a clinic or specialist.

Patient Autonomy:

The Novoglan Phimosis Treatment allows patients to take control of their treatment and perform the stretching at home. Patients can use the device in the privacy of their own home and at their own pace, without the need for repeated visits to a clinic or specialist. This approach promotes patient autonomy and allows individuals to make informed decisions about their treatment.

Ethical Considerations:

The use of non-surgical foreskin stretching using balloon catheters, such as the Novoglan Phimosis Treatment, is an ethical approach to the treatment of adult male phimosis. The procedure does not involve the removal of tissue, which can be considered an unnecessary intervention, and preserves the natural anatomy and function of the penis.

Conclusion:

The Novoglan Phimosis Treatment is a safe, effective, and cost-effective treatment option for adult male phimosis. Non-surgical balloon foreskin stretching using devices such as the Novoglan Phimosis Treatment provides a patient-centric approach to treatment that promotes patient autonomy and is supported by clinical evidence. It is recommended that this approach be included as a first-line treatment option for adult male phimosis.

References:

Van Howe, R. S. (2015). Functions of the Foreskin. The Annals of Family Medicine, 13(5), 465–468. doi: 10.1370/afm.1867

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians. (2016). Male circumcision. Retrieved from https://www.racp.edu.au/docs/default-source/advocacy-library/male-circumcision.pdf

Gross, M. S., Phillips, E. A., Carrasquillo, R. J., & Thornton, A. (2019). The "home-based" foreskin balloon dilation procedure: a less invasive treatment option for phimosis. Translational andrology and urology, 8(Suppl 1), S29–S34. doi: 10.21037/tau.2019.03.20.

Novoglan (Platigo Solutions  Pty Ltd.). Phimosis Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.novoglan.com/phimosis-treatment/