Adult-acquired buried penis (AABP) is a condition in which excess or abnormal surrounding soft tissue covers the penis, resulting in sexual and urinary dysfunction. While it’s associated with obesity, AABP does not typically subside with weight loss. Surgical intervention is required. Due to the sensitive nature of the condition, it is likely undertreated, as many men may be reluctant to seek care.

“This is an underserved population,” said urologic surgeon Benjamin N. Breyer, MD, MAS, chair of the UCSF Department of Urology. “A lot of men with AABP just suffer through it when there are several different surgical techniques that can help. UCSF is one of the few centers that perform a high volume of surgeries to treat AABP.”

Research leads to improved patient outcomes

Breyer led a study, published in the Journal of Urology, that looked at the lived experience of patients with AABP and found that the condition has profound negative impacts on quality of life, affecting urinary and sexual function, social life and mental health. Many patients reported difficulty accessing care. The researchers concluded that AABP requires complex surgical reconstruction, and a successful repair can significantly improve a patient’s hygiene, urinary function and sexual function, as well as mental and social health.

Breyer has collaborated with researchers at other institutions on additional AABP studies. In one study, they clinically validated an AABP classification system based on a standardized evaluation of the penis (P), abdomen (A) and scrotum (S). Using a multi-institutional prospective registry of surgically managed AABP patients, the team found that the PAS classification system is a clinically reproducible and useful tool to describe and categorize AABP and correlates well with AABP surgery types.

Innovative surgical techniques

The UCSF Urology Practice provides leading-edge care for a range of conditions involving the urinary tract or reproductive organs.

“We have vast experience employing novel plastic surgery techniques with flaps and skin grafts to help unconceal the penis and help patients get better functional and cosmetic outcomes,” Breyer said. “We’re one of the leading centers in the country treating AABP, so we’re uniquely suited to help these patients.”

To learn more
UCSF Urology Practice
Phone:(415) 353-2200 | Fax: (415) 353-2641
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