Penile Paraffinoma

Value of inflammatory markers for monitoring disease severity and progression in granuloma induced by cosmetic oil injections

OBJECTIVE

Cosmetic oil injections can cause foreign body granulomas, leading to inflammation-driven extrarenal production of activated vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) and severe hypercalcemia. This study investigates longitudinal changes in inflammatory markers: interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R), peptidyl dipeptidase (ACE), and ferritin in patients with oil-induced granuloma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

109 male patients were stratified according to baseline calcium status. 28 % had hypercalcemia, and 72 % normocalcemia. Normocalcemic patients were subdivided based on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations into suppressed (< 2.0 pmol/L, n = 30) or normal (≥ 2.0 pmol/L, n = 49) concentrations. Blood samples were collected over 48 months and longitudinal changes in inflammatory markers and calcium homeostasis were examined using Pearson correlation and mixed model analyses.

RESULTS

IL-2R, ACE, and ferritin were positively correlated with serum concentration of ionized calcium, while IL-2R was associated with serum 1,25(OH)2D3. In patients with hypercalcemia, IL-2R decreased at 6 (p = 0.041), 24 (p = 0.048), and 36 months (p = 0.035). ACE increased at 48 months (p = 0.008). In patients with normocalcemia and suppressed PTH, IL-2R increased at 24 months (p = 0.021), while serum ferritin increased in patients with normocalcemia and normal PTH at 6 (p = 0.040), 12 (p = 0.008), 24 (p = 0.028), and 48 months (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Positive correlations were observed at baseline between ionized calcium concentrations and IL-2R, ionized calcium and ferritin, and 1,25(OH)₂D₃ and IL-2R. Hypercalcemia and suppressed PTH was associated with elevated IL-2R and ferritin concentrations at baseline. Over time, IL-2R and ferritin concentrations decreased in patients with hypercalcemia, some treated with immunomodulatory drugs. IL-2R and ferritin concentrations increased in untreated patients with normocalcemia.

Complications and outcomes following injection of foreign material into the male external genitalia for augmentation: a single-centre experience and systematic review

Injection of exogenous material into the penis and scrotum has been performed for augmentation purposes. Complications include cosmetic dissatisfaction, penile necrosis and lymphoedema. We report the complications and outcomes from a single centre with an updated systematic review of the literature. A retrospective review of all cases presenting with foreign substance injection into the genitalia, over a 10-year period was performed. Thirty-five patients with a mean (standard deviation (SD); range) age of 36.9 (±9.1; 22-61) years at presentation were included. The mean (SD; range) time between injection and presentation was 7.8 (±5.8; 1 day-20 years) years. The most common injected substance was silicone (n = 16, 45.7%) and liquid paraffin (n = 8, 22.9%). The penile shaft (94.3%) was the most injected site. The most common presentations were cosmetic dissatisfaction (57.1%) and pain and/or swelling (45.7%). Surgery was required in 32 (91.4%) cases. Primary procedures included local excision and primary closure (n = 19, 59.4%), circumcision (n = 5, 15.6%), excision with a split skin graft or a scrotal flap reconstruction (n = 5, 15.6%). Three (8.6%) patients presented with necrosis and required acute debridement. Overall, 18 patients had more than 1 procedure, and 8 patients required 3 or more procedures. A systematic search of the literature identified 887 articles of which 68 studies were included for analysis. The most common substance injected was paraffin (47.7%), followed by silicone (15.8%). The majority of patients (77.9%) presented with pain, swelling or penile deformity. 78.8% of the patients underwent surgical treatment, which included excision and primary closure with or without the use of skin grafts (85.1% of all procedures), the use of flaps (12.3%) and penile amputation (n = 2). Complications of foreign body injection into the male genitalia can be serious resulting in necrosis and autoamputation. Surgical intervention is often required to excise abnormal tissue to manage pain and improve cosmesis.

The surgical management of penile oleogranuloma: case series

Oleogranuloma of the penis is a complex set of pathological processes caused by the injection of a foreign substance (gel, balls, rods, etc.) into the penis with the purpose of penile augmentation. In this case series, we investigated a variety of clinical presentations of oleogranuloma and described our experience in managing the complications. We analyzed data on 18 patients with penile self-injections admitted to the hospitals of Astana City, Kazakhstan, during an 11-year period. The mean age of patients at admittance was 37.4 ± 6.4 years. The most common substance of injection was Vaseline (n = 16, 88.9%). The mean interval between the time of injection and the first presentation to the hospital was 10.8 ± 6.5 years. Complications included necrosis (n = 13, 72.2%), pain or swelling (n = 6, 33.3%) and cosmetic dissatisfaction (n = 5, 27.8%). All patients received surgical treatment (n = 18, 100%): simple excision with primary closure was performed for one-half of the patients (n = 9, 50%), while another half of patients underwent the two-stage scrotum skin flap surgery (n = 9, 50%). The findings of this study should raise the awareness about the diverse clinical presentations of penile self-injections among physicians for early diagnosis and timely management.

Smile Incision-Modified Technique for Better Scrotal Outcome in Surgical Management of Penile Paraffinoma

INTRODUCTION

Penile augmentation with foreign material injection is used to increase penile length, girth, or both. Most of these individuals develop complications due to an abnormal mass formation known as penile paraffinoma. Multiple surgical techniques for restoring penile function and correcting near-normal penile shape have been developed, but prior techniques have some post-operative complications.

METHODS

We explained the smile incision-modified technique for penile paraffinoma reconstruction using illustrations to describe step-by-step procedures. This study aimed to describe our modified surgical technique for reconstruction to correct complications due to disastrous consequences of failed penile augmentation.

RESULTS

A total of 16 patients aged 28-66 years (mean: 44.25 ± 2.63) were operated with a smile incision-modified technique from January 2017 until December 2020 in Semarang Dr. Kariadi tertiary hospital. There were no intraoperative complications observed. We found hematoma in 3 patients in a 1-week follow-up. After 2 weeks of post-operative surgery, all patients had no skin dehiscence or necrosis. Cosmetic appearance and functional improvement after reconstruction were acceptable by all patients.

CONCLUSION

Penile paraffinoma reconstruction using the smile incision-modified technique was a feasible and effective technique to manage penile paraffinoma patients with good esthetic results and minor complications.

Surgical treatment of penile foreign body granuloma: Penile shaft reconstruction with single- versus two-stage scrotal flap techniques

OBJECTIVES

To report outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with penile foreign body granuloma and compare surgical outcomes between single- and two-stage scrotal flap reconstructions.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with penile foreign body granuloma who underwent surgical treatment were reviewed. Patients with single- and two-stage scrotal flap reconstructions were compared.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients underwent surgical treatment from January 1, 2018 to October 31, 2022. Twenty-three patients underwent single-stage reconstruction with bilateral scrotal flap while 12 patients underwent two-stage repair with 19 operations. Five patients underwent circumcision; one had excision with primary closure. Another patient underwent reconstruction by penile skin preservation technique. There was no statistically significant differences between single- and two-stage groups in wound infection (8.69% vs. 0%, RR 2.71, 95%CI; 0.14-52.29), wound dehiscence (21.74% vs. 8.33%, RR 2.61, 95%CI 0.34-19.87), reoperation rate (26.08% vs. 8.33%, RR 3.13, 95%CI; 0.42-23.10). Postoperative fever was significantly higher in single-stage group (56.52 vs. 8.33%, RR 6.78, 95%CI; 1.01-43.83). Total length of hospital stay was shorter in single-stage group (7.43 ± 3.19 days vs. 10.86 ± 1.57 days, MD -3.42, 95%CI; -5.28 to -1.57). Incidence of patients without Clavien-Dindo surgical complications was significantly lower in single-stage group (43.48% vs. 83.33%, RR 0.53, 95%CI; 0.31-0.89).

CONCLUSIONS

Both single- and two-stage techniques may be considered for penile foreign body granuloma reconstruction. Although the hospital stay was longer in two-stage group, the complication rates were lower.

Two-Stage Penile Reconstruction after Paraffin Injection: A Case Report and a Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Penile injection of foreign materials is an obsolete practice often performed by non-medical personnel in order to enlarge penile size.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature from 1956 to 2022 was conducted in accordance with the general guidelines recommended by the Primary Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. We included full papers published from 1956 to 2022. We also described a case report of a 23 year old Bulgarian male affected by penile paraffinoma who underwent a 2-stages surgical technique.

RESULTS

A total of 152 cases have been reported, with a median age of 37.9 ranging from 18 to 64 years. Six different techniques have been described in the whole literature: bilateral scrotal flap, simple excision of the paraffinoma with primary closure, two-stage scrotum skin flap, medial prepuce-soprapubic advancement flap technique and penile reconstruction using split thickness skin graft (STSG) or full thickness skin graft (FTSG). An analysis of the distribution among early and late complications was then carried out.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, among the variety of surgical techniques described, a two-stage penile reconstruction using scrotal skin results in excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes, with a low rate of complications.

Aesthetic and Functional Results after Single- and Two-Stage Resection and Reconstruction of Penile Paraffinomas - Experience from Two Tertiary Centers and a Surgical Management Algorithm

The treatment of choice of penile paraffinoma (PP) is surgical resection. Penile soft tissue coverage in a combined Urology/Plastic Surgery procedure, is often needed.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the surgical techniques, aesthetics and functional outcomes, and to provide a practical algorithm for the surgical management of symptomatic PP.

METHODS

We retrospectively recruited PP patients treated with surgical resection, from 2004 to 2020, in the Reina Sofia Hospital of Murcia (Spain) and Sourasky Medical Center (Israel). Procedural and postoperative erectile function, according to the short version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) data were collected.

RESULTS

Eight patients underwent surgery. The mean age was 30 years. The mean time between substance injection and surgery was 6 years. The most frequently injected material was liquid paraffin (50%), followed by Vaseline. Extensive skin involvement was present in all patients with liquid paraffin, requiring 2-stage surgery or skin graft. PP surgical treatment was successfully achieved in an Urology/Plastic Surgery joined effort. Postoperative erectile function was preserved in all cases.

CONCLUSION

PP can pose a surgical challenge. A combined surgical approach with urology and plastics allows for functional and aesthetic preservation. The extent of PP and the viability of shaft skin preservation should guide surgical approach.

One-stage Reconstruction of Penile Paraffinoma Using Spiral Stitches FTSG and Evaluation of Sexual Function

Paraffinoma of the penis is rare and caused by paraffin liquid injection. This condition can cause significant penile deformity, ulceration, pain, and sexual dysfunction. However, it can be managed with surgical procedures to obtain normal aesthetic and functional results. Herein, we reported a 42-year-old male with penile paraffinoma who underwent excessive surgical excision of the fibrotic tissue and one-stage reconstruction using a spiral stitch full-thickness skin graft. At one year of follow-up it showed a good aesthetic outcome with no hypertrophic scars, skin contractures, penile curvature, or penile shortening. The sexual evaluation using the International Index of Erectile Function instrument also showed a good result with normal erectile function and satisfaction with sexual sensation. This case is interesting because we used the spiral stitch full-thickness skin graft technique to cover the degloving area and long-term follow-up to evaluate the aesthetic and functional results.

Scrotal bridge flap reconstructive surgery for extensive penile paraffinoma: steps and outcomes from a single center: a case series

Background

To describe our scrotal bridge flap technique in reconstructive surgery for extensive penile paraffinoma, a debilitating late complication of penile subcutaneous foreign material injection intended to achieve penile augmentation.

Case presentation

We reviewed the medical records of 10 patients who underwent reconstructive surgery with the scrotal bridge flap technique for penile paraffinoma at our center between 2016 and 2019. Complete excision of fibrotic tissue and the overlying skin was performed, and penile resurfacing was achieved by mobilizing the scrotal skin superiorly to wrap around the penile shaft, leaving a skin bridge at the median raphe. All 10 patients successfully underwent scrotal bridge flap penile reconstruction with satisfying results. The mean operation duration was 286.1 min (range 213–363 min). No immediate major complications were observed in any of the patients, and no patients required revision surgery.

Conclusion

The scrotal bridge flap technique is a reliable method for reconstructive surgery after the excision of penile paraffinoma.

Nonsurgical Correction of Secondary Contour Deformities of the Penile Girth

BACKGROUND

Dealing with remaining penilе deformities following surgery to correct complications after injection of nonabsorbable substаnces tends to be troublesome. There is a lack of adequate information regarding the options for the management of such residual irregularities. In morе than 2 decades of clinical application, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers have proved to be a safе and reliable solution fоr a great variety of age-related changes, tissue atrophy, and contour deformities.

OBJECTIVES

This brief clinical study aimed to demоnstrate the author's initial еxperience with the novel use of an HA-based filler for the correction of secondary deformities of penile girth.

METHODS

Rеtrospective analysis was conducted, encompassing patients who underwent correction of secondary penile deformities with HA between August 2018 and February 2020. Тhe procedures were carried оut in an ambulatory setting and a blunt cannula was used for filler infiltration. A 9-month follow-up was established.

RESULTS

Five patients aged between 29 and 44 years (average, 35.8 years) were found and included in the study. The mean volumе of HA product used for the correction was 3.32 mL. An analysis of the outcomes demonstrated a high satisfaction ratе among pаtients with no complications in thе series.

CONCLUSIONS

The procedure is safe, effective, and relatively simple with reproducible and reliable outcomes. Due to its excellent spreading and good tissue integration, the selected HA filler was very useful in cases where fibrosis was present because of previous surgeries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Sclerosing lipogranuloma of the penis: a narrative review of complications and treatment

Objective

Sclerosing lipogranuloma of the penis is a relatively rare disorder associated with injection of illicit foreign materials for penile augmentation. We aim to report the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of patients with this condition, and to review the most relevant literature currently available.

Background

Injection of mineral oil into the subcutaneous tissues of the penis for augmentation has been practiced since ancient times. The potential for complications has long been known, and most doctors have abandoned the procedure. However, it is still practiced in some parts of the world. The complications may be devastating including death from embolism or sepsis. The affected area may not be restricted to the injection site, potentially involving the scrotal and suprapubic areas. Surgery with complete removal of the involved tissue followed by covering the denuded area with a graft or skin flap is the best therapeutic option.

Methods

The literature search involved keywords such as penis, augmentation, enlargement, sclerosing, lipogranuloma, penile injection, paraffinoma, and was obtained from computerized search of databases such as PubMed, Google Search and Scopus. Personal experience of the lead author (BS) is also described. We tried arbitrarily to limit our search to articles including ≥5 patients pertaining to the subject of our review and, therefore, excluded single case reports. However, a single systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was also found and included.

Conclusions

The treatment of choice is radical excision of all the lesions followed by skin grafting. Bearing in mind that prospective, randomized, controlled studies are considered difficult to carry out, further work will continue apparently to be based on case series by individual surgeons. It is critical to advise patients to separate the myths from the facts and use preventive measures through awareness and education to best minimize the downsides of this problem.

Total Penectomy and Perineal Urethrostomy Management of Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Paraffinoma in Single Center Hospital: A Rare Case Report

BACKGROUND: Penile cancer is a rare condition, affecting less than 1% of the adult male population [1]. The risk of penile cancer increases significantly with age, poor hygiene, and the presence of the prepuce. The most common type encountered is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Clinically penile cancer appears as small lesions with induration and erythema or as large infiltrative ulcerative lesions. As the disease progresses, complaints such as itching, bleeding, discharge, foul odor, and pain occurred. CASE REPORT: A 63-year-old man with poor hygiene and has a history of diabetes mellitus had penis ulcers since 5 years ago. On physical examination, an ulcer with the size of 12 × 12 × 10 cm was found growing pus (-). Biopsy had done and confirmed SCC as a result. Pelvic multiple slice CT shows growth covering the entire shaft of the penis down to the base. The patient had a previous history of using silicone injection 35 years ago and causing Sclerofibromatosis. The patient was planned to undergo surgery with clinical diagnosis T4N0M0. Total penectomy was performed with an elliptical incision around the base with a margin of 2 cm. Sclerofibromatosis and the surrounding tissue were excised to the base of the penis followed by perineal urethrostomy. There was no problem postoperatively. The patient went home after staying in the hospital for 96 h. The surgical specimen revealed SCC with free of tumor excision margin. CONCLUSIONS: Injections with silicone to enlarge the penis cannot be justified. The process can trigger a chronic inflammatory reaction associated with penile malignancy. Total penectomy and wide excision with urethral perineostomy could be optimal initial treatment.

Dermoscopy of penile sclerosing granuloma

Penile sclerosing granuloma is a foreign body reaction to the injection of material, usually for genital augmentation purposes. Patients commonly deny having had or performed these procedures on themselves, and diagnosis can be challenging. We describe the case of a 62-year-old man with a 10-year history of a growth on the penile shaft. Dermoscopic examination showed an orange background with shiny white structures, suggesting a granulomatous pathology. Guided biopsies confirmed a sclerosing lipogranuloma. The patient admitted to having self-injected motor oil. For the first time, we report the dermoscopic description of sclerosing granuloma, which will improve clinical diagnostic precision and guide biopsies. We also contribute the first description of a dermoscopic rainbow pattern in a granulomatous disorder; this could be due to a physical phenomenon called 'dichroism'.

The bilateral scrotal flap: Anatomical study and it's use for the management of inflammatory granulomas following custom-made injections

INTRODUCTION

The management of 10 cases of penile inflammatory granulomas following a subcutaneous injection of non-absorbable substance for the purpose of penile augmentation is presented. We subsequently used the bilateral scrotal flaps to cover the post-excision skin defect. A simple decision aid chart outlining the management of penile foreign body injections is proposed.

METHODS

A total of 10 patients were included in this study. All required surgical management by penile degloving, followed by complete excision of the inflammatory granuloma and overlying skin. The dissection of 14 cadavers was carried out to study the blood supply to the anterior scrotal flap. Penile reconstruction was then performed using a bilateral scrotal flap in all but two cases. Post-operatively, the patients were followed up for a 1 year period.

RESULTS

We obtained good results in terms of the aesthetic outcome with all of our ten patients with the area covered having similar color to penile skin. There were no major post-operative complications. There were two minor complications involving wound healing. Sensory function was maintained and no penile shortening or curvatures were noted, in addition all patients were satisfied with both the shape and function of the penis.

CONCLUSION

Although much rarer, penile augmentation related complications are still seen in western countries. The treating doctor should be aware of its management. We had achieved acceptable outcomes in our experience with the bilateral scrotal flap. We believe it is a good and simple option for soft tissue coverage of the penis in cases following the complete inflammatory granuloma excision. It can achieve satisfactory aesthetic and functional results for this group of patients.

[Penile paraffinoma-Treatment strategies]

BACKGROUND

Penile paraffinomas are a consequence of an injection of mineral oils for augmentation. As an result of the foreign body reaction local complications regularly occur, which require a plastic reconstructive intervention. So far 8 cases have been treated in our clinic over the last 20 years.

OBJECTIVE

Presentation of the operative treatment techniques for penile paraffinoma as well as the indications and complications.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

After reviewing the relevant literature, we analyzed the data of our own patient cohort. Since 1999 a total of 8 patients with lipogranuloma underwent surgical treatment at the St. Antonius Hospital in Eschweiler.

RESULTS

The choice of a plastic reconstructive treatment depends on the extent of the paraffinoma. If it is limited to the foreskin, a radical circumcision is sufficient but if it extends to the skin of the penile shaft, a plastic defect coverage with a mesh graft, a full skin graft or a scrotal skin flap is required. In cases with additional pathologies, such as urethral fistulas, auxiliary reconstructive procedures should be performed.

CONCLUSION

For optimal cosmetic and functional results, the surgeon must master a broad spectrum of plastic reconstructive techniques. In selected complex cases an interdisciplinary approach consisting of urologists and plastic surgeons can be necessary.

Giant Penis paraffinoma

A fifty-year-old healthy, Portuguese male, with prior history of paraffin injections into the penis 30 years ago, was referred for urological consultation because of a large, hardened ulcerated mass on the base of the penis causing deformity and pain. The patient underwent a biopsy that showed a benign granulomatous lesion, and then excision of the mass and penile plasty with a scrotum flap in the same surgical time. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of paraffinoma. Three months after surgery, the patient is satisfied with the functional (urinary function and erectile function) and aesthetic results. Penile paraffinoma is a rare disease (most common in Asia and Eastern Europe) and results from an inflammatory response to the subcutaneous injection of paraffin, Vaseline or other mineral oils. Treatment is usually surgery.