[Correction of penile curvature by various tunica albuginea plasty].

OBJECTIVE

To explore various tunica albuginea plasty for penile curvature and their efficacies.

METHODS

From July 2005 to July 2008, there were a total of 8 patients with a mean age of 34 ± 9 years old (range: 23 - 47) undergoing corrective surgery for various types of penile curvature. Among them, 4 patients (3 with ventral curvature, 1 with lateral curvature) were treated by 16-dot plication technique, 2 patients of lateral curvature with tightening ring in tunica albuginea corrected by V-Y plasty and 2 patients (one caused by Peyronie's disease while the other by tunica scar contracture) repaired by venous graft patch. The pre-and post-operative levels of sexual satisfaction were evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scoring system.

RESULTS

All cases were followed up at 3, 6 & 9 months postoperatively. Their mean curvature at maximal erection was (58.2 ± 9.7)°. And a postoperative office assessment revealed a functional straight in all patients [mean degree (11 ± 4)°]. One patient (12.5%) reported penile shortening without dissatisfaction about it. No patients complained of anesthesia or other sensory abnormality on their penile skin. An improvement of IIEF-5 scores was noted (21 ± 3 vs 15 ± 5, P < 0.05) and all patients were satisfied with their outcomes. No complications, such as hematoma, infection or erectile dysfunction, occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

To achieve a better penile morphology and functional outcomes with fewer complications, various arthroplasty should be adopted according to the cause, degree and direction of penile curvature.