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Fraenuloplasty vs. fraenulum division

Written by Paul B. at 09 Jan 2002 11:24:04:

As an answer to: Frenuloplasty (z-plasty) same as frenulum division ? written by Steven Reader at 08 Jan 2002 21:53:41:

> Is the frenuloplasty (the horizontal z-plasty type) the same thing as ... a 'division of the frenulum'?

Not unless the surgeon is very loose with his terminology!

Fraenulum division simply means cutting it from the edge to the base of the web. It may well not be stitched (bleeding stopped by diathermy or simple crushing), though that would heal a little quicker. If the surgeon thinks that division will leave a tag on either side, he will cut out a piece as a semicircular wedge, and probably stitch the line remaining.

A Z-plasty is a procedure which lengthens in one direction at the expense of the opposite direction (another version is a V-Y plasty which is symmetrical, Z-plasty is not) and may help to avoid uncomfortable stress being placed on the apex of the removed wedge.

I suspect the differences are subtle anyway. For those that are concerned about damage to nerves, the "plasty" does at least as much damage, perhaps more since the cuts to mobilise the flap for movement, are wider. But then I'm not convinced whether this matters much, since the fraenulum is a midline structure and should have few nerves.

Actually, my perception of the value of the fraenulum, like the clitoral crura of a girl, is that its function is to convey movement from the penile skin to the glans, and that if it is uncomfortably tight, it is just doing its job too well!

> ps. ... I always had the condition but just 'lived with it'

So do tell, just how much trouble has it caused you?


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