Three anatomical levels: possibilities to decrease invasiveness of reconstructive surgery for congenital penile curvature

Long-Term Results after Surgical Treatment of Congenital Penile Curvature Using a Modified Nesbit Technique

PURPOSE

Congenital penile curvature (CPC) is a rare condition with surgical correction being the standard therapy. In the current study, we report long-term results analyzing the surgical and functional outcomes using a modified Nesbit technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with CPC were included. After penile degloving and mobilization of the neurovascular bundle an artificial erection was performed. An ellipsoid part of the tunica albuginea was excised at the point of maximum curvature on the convex side of deviation. The tunical defect was then closed by interrupted absorbable sutures with inverted knots. Results of correction were documented intra- and postoperatively by artificial erection. Pre- and postoperative evaluation included measurement of penile length and curvature after pharmacological erection. Erectile function, alteration in glans sensation, palpable suture as well as short- and long-term complication were also recorded using validated questionnaires and objective examinations.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients with mean age 26.93 years (14-66 years) and mean curvature 69.81° (25°-90°) were included in the study. Ventral or ventrolateral curvature was observed in 83.6%. Mean operative time was 106.8 minutes (55-169 minutes). Totally straightness of the penis was achieved in 51/55 patients (92.8%). After a mean long-term follow-up of 36.68 months (4-87 months), erectile function worsened in 3.6% of patients. Median penile length loss associated with this technique was 1.7 cm (0-3.0 cm).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical therapy of CPC using our modified Nesbit technique is feasible, safe and provides reliable long-term outcomes, representing an alternative for surgical correction of CPC.

Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in men undergoing tunica albuginea plication for congenital penile curvature who present with worsening penile deformity

PURPOSE

Men with congenital penile curvature (CPC) can develop new onset worsening of their lifelong curvature. We sought to evaluate clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes after tunica albuginea plication (TAP) in patients presenting with CPC who reported new onset worsened curvature (CPC-WC), and compare these with patients reporting stable lifelong curve ("CPC-only").

METHODS

A retrospective review of demographics, history/exam findings, and postoperative outcomes for patients with CPC who underwent TAP from 2012 to 2018 was performed. Patients were differentiated based on whether or not they reported new onset worsening of their penile curvature preoperatively (CPC-WC versus CPC only). Statistical analysis was performed to identify differences in clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes after TAP.

RESULTS

60 patients were included [CPC only (n = 39) and CPC-WC (n = 21)]. Mean curvature was 62° (SD 23). CPC-WC patients were older [median 34 years (IQR 27:52) versus 24 years (IQR 20:34); p = 0.004], and more likely to report penile shortening and psychological bother (p < 0.05). On physical examination, CPC-WCs were more likely to have a discrete palpable tunical scar and diminished penile elasticity (p ≤ 0.0002). With median follow up of 12 months, satisfactory straightening with TAP was reported in 56/60 patients (93%) including 35/39 (90%) CPC only and 21/21 (100%) CPC-WC.

CONCLUSIONS

In men undergoing TAP for CPC, we found that 35% reported new onset worsening of their original curvature preoperatively. These patients were older and more likely to report penile shortening or exhibit palpable tunical scarring with decreased elasticity on examination compared to those with lifelong stable curvature. Regardless, TAP resulted in satisfactory penile straightening in the majority of patients.