Post‐operative steroids in boys with histologically proven balanitis xerotica obliterans reduce the need for subsequent meatal dilatation

Aim Post-circumcision topical steroids may reduce the number of patients with balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) who require subsequent meatal dilatation. However, their use has only been investigated in the presence of an abnormal urethral meatus. The aim of this study is to determine if post-operative topical steroids reduce the need for subsequent meatal dilatation in patients with histologically proven BXO independent of the appearance of the urethral meatus. To determine if post-operative topical steroids reduce the need for subsequent meatal procedures in patients with histologically proven BXO. To determine if the appearance of the meatus at circumcision affects the need for subsequent meatal procedure. Methods We performed a retrospective review of all paediatric patients with histologically confirmed BXO post circumcision. We excluded all those with 'chronic inflammation' or 'early BXO'. Patients were divided into groups based on whether post-operative topical steroids were prescribed. The appearance of the urethral meatus at circumcision was recorded. Primary outcome was progression to subsequent meatal dilatation. Statistical significance was calculated using Fisher's exact test. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results One hundred and seventeen patients with histologically confirmed BXO were identified between October 2012 and December 2017. Fifty-nine patients were prescribed post-operative topical steroids (50%). Nine patients required subsequent meatal dilatation procedure (8%) and only one of these had been prescribed post-operative topical steroids (P = 0.0165). Abnormal meatus was noted in 24 (21%) patients. Three patients in this group required subsequent meatal dilatation compared with 6 in the group with a normal meatal appearance (P = 0.385). Conclusions Post-operative topical steroids can reduce the need for subsequent meatal dilatation in boys with BXO. The appearance of the urethral meatus at circumcision does not predict the need for subsequent meatal dilatation.