[Reconstruction of the glans with free-skin graft applying the Bracka technique]

Geometrical Model of Free Skin Graft for the Optimization of Glans Reconstruction after Partial Penectomy

Introduction and Objective The management of penile carcinoma is very disabling and mutilating, bur early treatment can be curative. Our group systematically performs oncological management with immediate penile reconstruction and preservation of the organ (partial penectomy, resurfacing, or glansectomy) when feasible. Due to the low incidence of penile carcinoma, it is difficult to achieve experience in penile reconstruction using free grafts in a standardized and reproducible way. Therefore, we herein present the results of the use of an inanimate model to identify the most efficient geometric way to procure and apply a free skin graft to reconstruct the penis.

Methods A preclinical inanimate model of the penis was developed to simulate the surgical reconstruction using a free skin graft. Six different geometric skin-graft models were created and tested. For each of them, we measured graft's surface area as well as the discarded surface after placing the graft on the penis for reconstruction. We also measured the amount of suture lines required for reconstruction. All of these measurements in the six different models were compared.

Results Based on the six models, we identified that the longitude of the graft must measure the same as the maximum perimeter of the glans in order to have a square that enables the complete coverage of the penile defect. The total graft area for the first 4 models was of 40 cm2; for models 5 and 6, it was of 60 cm2. The average discarded area of the graft was of 18.135 cm2 (range: 12 cm2 to 30 cm2). Models 4 years 6 were the ones with the least discarded tissue: 12 cm2. The average amount of suture lines to secure the different model grafts was 7.3 (range: 5 to 12). The models that required the least amount of suture lines were number 1 and 4, with a total of 5 suture lines.

Conclusions The double trapezoid is the most efficient model to reconstruct the glans after organ-sparing oncological management. Our results contribute to establish a more standardized and predictable technique to reconstruct the penis.

Oncological and Functional Outcomes After Organ-Sparing Plastic Reconstructive Surgery for Penile Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To describe oncological and functional outcomes in patients treated with reconstructive organ-sparing surgery (OSS) for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Plastic reconstructive OSS of the penis with a split thickness skin graft has been proposed as a treatment option for penile cancer, with the objective being preservation of physiological voiding and sexual function without comprising oncological control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multicenter study reporting clinicopathological data of 57 patients with malignant lesions of the penis treated with OSS and plastic reconstructive surgery with split thickness skin graft from 2007 to 2019. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed with EuroQoL-5D-3L, urinary symptoms with the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, and erectile function with the International Index of erectile function (IIEF)-5.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven patients underwent OSS reconstructive surgery. Twenty underwent glans resurfacing, 23 partial penectomy, and 14 glansectomy. Median age was 55.1 years (interquartile range [IQR] 29-90), median follow-up 55.7 months (3-149). At the time of data analysis, 6 patients had died of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) (12.5%) and 10 (17.8%) had progressed. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a 5-year survival rate of 87.5% and a 5-year progression-free survival of 83%. We assessed HRQoL and functional outcomes in 32 patients. EuroQol 5D-3L showed a mean health status of 82.5%, median Voiding score of the ICIQ-MLTUS was 4 (IQR 1-15), and median IIEF-5 19 (IQR 10.75-25).

CONCLUSION

OSS of the penis remains a safe and viable option for the treatment of SCC, ensuring a favorable appearance of the penis, preserving urinary and sexual function, with good HRQoL and without comprising oncological safety in selected cases.

[Glandectomy with cutaneous thigh graft]

Penile cancer is a neoplasm that predominantly affects males in the sixth decade of life, with an incidence of .3-1 per 100,000. Traditionally, the treatment of the primary lesion has consisted of total or partial amputation of the penis. However, the psychological and functional impact has influenced the development of preservation techniques We present 2males with lesions on the glans diagnosed by biopsy of squamous cell carcinoma. The patients underwent glandectomy and reconstruction with free thigh skin graft. The pathological anatomy was superficial squamous cell carcinoma. 6 months later the patients are free of disease and satisfied with the result of the intervention In our opinion, this technique enables an adequate cosmetic and functional result without affecting oncological control and without increasing morbidity or operative time.

[Assessment of scar satisfaction and quality of sexual life after conservative surgical treatment. Our experience]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the overall scar satisfaction and quality of life in the conservative surgical treatment of penis cancer with reconstruction according to the Bracka technique. In order to do this, we passed out the questionnaire «Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire» and the IIEF-15 questionnaire. From 2015 to 2017, 5 conventional glandectomy and reconstruction according to the Bracka technique were performed. 100% of the patients were very satisfied with the result, were slightly aware of the presence of the wound and lacked discomfort in relation to the scar. Regarding the quality of sexual life, an average improvement of 18 points was observed in the IIEF-15. We observed improvement in satisfaction of the sexual relationship (P6-8), orgasmic function (P9-10), overall satisfaction (P13-14) and confidence to maintain sexual intercourse (P15). Lesions at the level of the penis represent an important alteration in quality of sexual life. By performing a minimally invasive surgery with subsequent reconstruction, the patient presents a significant improvement in the quality of sexual life.

Partial penectomy and penile reconstruction. Initial surgical management of localized penile cancer

INTRODUCTION

Surgical management for penile carcinoma is mutilating and affects significantly quality of life. Hereby we present our experience on penile reconstruction (PR) immediately after oncologic resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included all patients from January 2007 until April 2012 who underwent PR after partial penectomy (PP). Patients included in the study were seen at four different hospitals. All procedures were done by the same surgeon. Information included were: oncological status at the moment of surgery, surgical technique used for reconstruction. Each case was also registered photographically. On follow-up visits data about outcome and patient's satisfaction were registered.

RESULTS

During the study period 15 patients underwent PR. Average age at the moment of surgery was 49 years. Average follow-up was 15 months. In 12 patients PR was made at the same time as PP. Of those, four cases underwent glans resurfacing, 2 glandectomy, 6 partial penectomy, and the remaining 3 have had PP in a different time in the past. Every case underwent a split thickness graft procedure. Only 2 patients had postoperative complications. One of them presented urethral stricture and the other graft ischemia. Three patients had positive nodes at the moment of PP and two during the follow-up. None of the cases have presented local recurrence and only one died. On follow-up the remaining patients refer a good quality of life and felt happy with aesthetic results.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the results presented hereby we propose that PR must be part of the same procedure as the PP.