Sclerosing lipogranuloma of the penis

Candlenut oil-induced sclerosing lipogranuloma of the penis: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Penile sclerosis lipogranuloma, a disease that occurs as a result of the body's reaction to lipid-based foreign substances, is a rare case with manifestations that can occur years after injection. Reactions that emerge can be disturbing to the point of causing functional impairment, so proper therapy needs to be done to restore and maintain penis function and prevent complications. Here, we present a case of penile sclerosis lipogranuloma that was treated surgically with a scrotal flap and VY plasty, including circumcision.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report here the case of a 19-year-old Asian male who came in with multiple, irregular, nodular masses in his penis after a candlenut oil injection that had been performed a year before presentation. An extensive excision and extraction of the penile lipogranuloma, including all areas invaded by oil injection, were performed. Then a scrotal flap and VY plasty were used to reconstruct the exposed penile shaft. The operative procedure was successful, and the patient experienced positive functional and aesthetic outcomes.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Determining therapy for penile sclerosis granuloma becomes important to improve or restore normal penile function and for performance function. Therapy includes the complete removal of the substance and the affected part. The recommended reconstruction for the penile shaft is a scrotal flap with penile scrotal invagination and VY plasty.

CONCLUSION

Proper treatment of the penis and its surroundings in cases of penile lipogranuloma is important to prevent further complications and maintain penile function.

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.

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.

Penile Paraffinoma

Penile paraffinoma is a rare cause of penile mass that can occur following injection of liquid paraffin, performed illicitly for penile augmentation. Over the past 2 yr, we have observed an increasing number of cases presenting with the complications of penile paraffinoma; three patients of central European origin have required inpatient treatment at our institution and posed a significant management dilemma. This mini-review aims to review the literature on the aetiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of penile paraffinoma. A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was performed with 10 case series and 26 case reports identified between 1956 and 2017. A total of 124 cases, with a mean age of 36.29 yr, were identified. The majority originated in Korea, and the most common injected material was liquid paraffin (80.6%). Patients presented with pain/swelling, ulceration/fistulae, and penile deformity. The majority required surgical excision of paraffinoma followed by reconstruction with a variety of procedures including split skin grafting, scrotal skin flap reconstruction, and prepuce grafting. Mean duration of follow-up was 15.8 mo. Penile paraffinoma remains a rare presentation; however, it can present management difficulties. We have had an increase in cases, with three patients presenting with complications following injection of paraffin in our unit in the past 2 yr. Definitive management includes surgical excision and reconstruction as required with early involvement of plastic surgeons. There may be a role for conservative management; however, long-term outcomes are unclear. There may be a need for targeted preventative measures through public health agencies in communities where the practice is more prevalent. PATIENT SUMMARY: Penile paraffinoma can occur following injection of liquid paraffin or similar substances, generally used by non-healthcare personnel for the purpose of penile augmentations, and can cause significant pain, ulceration, and penile deformity. Definitive management includes surgical excision with reconstruction as required. Prevention of its use through awareness and education may be required in communities where the practice is more common.

Surgical Management of Penile Lesions Secondary to Foreign Body Reaction: A Case Report and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

To improve the penile contour, some men choose to undergo implantation or injection of nonbiological materials. Foreign body reactions in penile tissue may produce scarring, deformity, ulceration, necrosis, and even gangrene. Consensus is lacking regarding the most effective surgical procedure for reconstruction of these penile lesions.

OBJECTIVES

The authors describe one case study and the first systematic review focusing on reconstructive surgical management for penile lesions secondary to foreign body reaction.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases were queried for publications written in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish from 1951 to May 2017. Multiple search terms were applied.

RESULTS

Of the 3304 articles identified, 51 were included in the systematic review. All were retrospective studies, case series, or case reports. A total of 260 patients underwent surgical procedures, and the complication rate was 37.3%. The scrotal flap technique was performed most frequently (43.4%) and resulted in 65.6% of the total complications observed. One Brazilian case study was also described with an extensive and circumferential ulcer after six mineral oil bolls implant in the penile subcutaneous tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Restoration of the penile shape preserving the functionality and maintaining a good physician-patient relationship may be a challenge. The scrotal pouch may be advantageous for patch grafting of penile soft-tissue lesions, owing to its skin laxity and good blood supply. A less aggressive surgical approach has the benefits of shorter healing time and fewer early complications. Penile injuries are best treated by experienced surgeons on a case-by-case basis with care given to identify the most appropriate treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 5

Complications of penile self-injections: investigation of 680 patients with complications following penile self-injections with mineral oil

Objective

Penile implants and injection of foreign materials have been described in texts like Kama Sutra for more than 1500 years, and are still being practiced around the world. The extent of this practice is unknown, and the documentation available today only scratches the surface. This study investigates and documents the complications after penile self-injections at the Mae Tao Clinic. To our knowledge, this study represents the largest series of patients representing complications to penile self-injections.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Methods

We investigated data on 680 patients admitted with penile self-injections during a 5-year period. Data were studied for general patient data, symptoms, time of injection, and treatment.

Results

Age at admittance ranged from 17 to 68 with a mean age of 32 years. Time between injection and presentation was registered with a mean of 36.7 months, over half presented with complications within 1 year. Most frequent complications were penile pain (84%), swelling (82.5%), induration (42.9%), purulent secretion (21.8%), and ulceration (12.8%). Of the 680 patients, 507 (74.6%) underwent surgical treatment (503 excision and 4 circumcision), while 173 (25.4%) were treated conservatively.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that penile self-injections with mineral oil are more prevalent in certain areas than previously acknowledged. In 5 years, more than 680 patients presented with complications to penile self-injections, of which 75% needed surgical intervention, mainly in the form of radical excision of the lesions followed by skin grafting. Preventive measures to this physically and psychologically devastating problem are highly warranted.

Exenatide-induced eosinophilic sclerosing lipogranuloma at the injection site

Sclerosing lipogranuloma is a granulomatous reaction to the injection of a high-viscosity fluid in the tissues for the cosmetic purpose of improving body contour; lesions on the extremities and buttocks are commonly the results of injections of therapeutic agents in oily vehicles. Exenatide, once-weekly injection, is a therapeutic method for patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, we describe a case of exenatide once weekly induced eosinophilic sclerosing lipogranuloma at the injection site of a 62-year-old patient. To the best of our knowledge, the histopathologic features of this adverse event have not been reported in the medical literature.