[Analysis of shape and retractability of the prepuce in 1,015 Chinese boys aged from 0 to 18 years old].

Objective: To evaluate the characteristics of the preputial development in Chinese boys and indications as well as occasion of circumcision.

Methods: The shape and retractability of prepuce were evaluated in 1,015 Chinese boys from 0 to 18 years old without heteroplasia of prepuce and penis.

Results: Ratio of children with phimosis decreases progressively with increasing age, from 64.09% in the first group (0 approximately 3 years old) to 7.66% in the fourth group (11 approximately 18 years old).

Conclusion: Phimosis and incomplete separation of the prepuce is normal in the neonate and infant. Prepuce will separate from the glans progressively till adolescence, so it's unnecessary to perform circumcision for them when without any complications.