Tunica albuginea acellular matrix graft for treatment of Peyronie's disease--an experimental study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To study the value of an acellular matrix graft of the tunica albuginea for reconstruction of the penis in cases of severe Peyronie's disease.

METHODS

In nine mongrel dogs, an acellular matrix graft of the tunica albuginea was used to cover a 30 x 10 mm2 tunical defect. Equal numbers of animals were sacrificed at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. Before death, an erection was induced by means of papaverine injection and cavernosography was performed. After death the penis was prepared for histopathological study.

RESULTS

All animals survived the surgery and none developed haematoma, wound infections or dehiscence. All dogs developed a straight, rigid erection. Cavernosography showed patent corpora cavernosa in all animals. The papaverine injection and cavernosographic results did not change over time. Inspection of the graft site and measurement of its length and width showed healing with no contracture. Histologically, the regenerated matrix appeared thicker than the neighbouring tunica albuginea in the 1-month group; otherwise the appearance was normal. Gradual orientation of the fibrocytes, capillaries and collagen fibres was demonstrated at 1 month and was complete at 3 and 6 months. Comparison between an implanted tunica at 6 months and a control tunica from a normal dog showed no significant histological difference.

CONCLUSIONS

A homologous acellular matrix graft of the tunica albuginea may be an alternative treatment for severe cases of Peyronie's disease.