Penile Anthropometry

Abstract

Commonest complaint in the long-term follow-up of Hypospadiacs is the short penis, and all pediatricians and clinicians frequently encounter the questions by parents regarding the standard size of their child’s penis. Much less than required attention is paid to the size of the penis in management of hypospadias repair. Size of the penis and glans is a vital variable in defining the outcome of hypospadias surgery. The abnormalities of penile morphology are likely to affect interpersonal relations. It may also lead to emotional disturbances with the growth of a child to adulthood. Child’s parents/patients may have a misconception of the size of the penis, even in the cases of normal variations. On the other hand, the micropenis must be ruled out. The penis otherwise is normal in terms of shape and function, but is smaller by >2.5 SD than the mean size in terms of length for age of the child is termed as micropenis. With a defined penile nomogram, the patients and parents can be counseled regarding the penile size. However, as the physical stature differs across racial and ethnical spectrums, it stands to reason that penile size may vary too. A separate penile dimensions chart may be necessary to define the standard penile dimensions among various population groups. The chapter will provide denominator about the size of the penis and its relation with age and BMR, which will help in the timely clinician treatment.