OBJECTIVETo explore the anatomical features and measure the width of the coronal sulcus of the penis.

METHODSWe observed the coronal sulcus of the penis in 269 males aged 19 -66 (mean 28) years. Among them, 137 had redundant prepuce, 11 had phimosis, 90 were normal men, and 30 had been circumcised for redundant prepuce and 1 for phimosis. The width of the sulcus was measured with the vernier caliper at the 12 o'clock position, i. e. , the middle point of the dorsal. The results were compared among different groups.

RESULTSThe mucosa of the sulcus was relatively flat, smooth and not so active. Generally, the anterior line of the coronal sulcus was indistinct, whereas the posterior line was clear and easy to be identified. The widths of the coronal sulcus were (4.32 +/- 3.44), (4.06 +/- 2.68) and (4.22 +/- 3.06) mm in the redundant prepuce, phimosis and normal groups, with no statistically significant differences among the three (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONEnough attention should be paid to the width of the coronal sulcus of the penis in clinical practice. The posterior line of the coronal sulcus should be chosen as the positioning standard for inner incision in circumcision.