Surgical repair and analysis of penile fracture complications

The role of preoperative ultrasound in the diagnosis of penile fractures and the effect of tunica defect length on postoperative functional outcomes

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the rate of tunica defect detection by postoperative penile ultrasound (US) and the effect of tunica defect length (TDL) on functional outcomes.

METHODS

Forty-six patients who underwent early penile fracture surgery in our hospital between July 2010 and December 2018 were included in the study. Each diagnosis was made via history, physical examination and US. Functional outcomes were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score was used to assess erectile function. US detection rates for tunica defects, as well as whether the rates changed according to TDL, were also analysed. The TDL cut-off value for US detection was determined to be 11 mm using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The impact of TDL on functional outcomes was also evaluated using this cut-off value.

RESULTS

The main cause of fractures in 34 patients (74%) was sexual intercourse. One patient (2.2%) had penile curvature, and 16 (34.8%) had penile nodules in the follow-ups. US had a higher detection rate in the group with TDL >11mm (94% vs 25%). IIEF-5 scores at the postoperative third month were statistically lower in patients with TDL >11mm (n = 34) compared with those with ≤11 mm (n = 12). The rate of penile nodules was found to be statistically higher in the group with TDL >11mm at the end of the 1-year follow-up period (44.1% vs 8.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

US is a valuable tool for the detection of tunica defects especially with >11mm length. In addition, TDL >11 mm in penile fractures is associated with lower IIEF-5 scores in the early postoperative period and higher rates of penile nodules.

Surgical reconstruction for penile fracture: a systematic review

Penile fracture is a rare condition that describes the rupture of the corpus cavernosum following direct, high-pressure trauma to the erect penis. There is no standardized management algorithm for these patients. We performed a systematic review of the past 10 years regarding management of penile fractures. A complete PRISMA-P 2015 checklist was performed where we reviewed English articles published over the past 10 years to identify 105 articles, where 63 articles were of relevance and subsequently narrowed to a total of 28 articles into the final review for this study. We determined that immediate penile exploration and tunica repair is considered the most common and current management of penile fractures with experts demonstrating that it leads to the fastest in recovery in erectile function and positive cosmetic outcomes. However, we also determined that the specific algorithm can be variable-down to the suture material, use of catheterization, urethroplasty when involved, and length of recovery/follow-up. In the last several decades, men with penile fracture have been treated, in most cases, with immediate surgical intervention. This review highlights the varying practices regarding surgical exploration, injury repair, and postoperative management in men with a penile fracture. Immediate penile exploration and tunica repair have been the mainstay approach of management.

Penile fracture epidemiology, diagnosis and management in Iran: a narrative review

Penile fracture (PF) is considered an emergency in urology. In the literature there are some case series reporting considerable incidence of PF in some parts of Iran. There are no accurate data about the incidence of PF all around Iran. Although it may be uncommon in other parts of the country and in the other countries, it can also be underreported. There are some challenges in diagnosis, management, and also reporting of these cases. In this review of Iranian medical literature, we searched for penile fracture and penile injury keywords in Medline, Scopus, SID, Google and Persian medical journals. We reviewed the status of epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, management and complications of PF in different parts of Iran in the published literature. To collect more accurate data, we also performed a questionnaire-based study with sending questionnaires by emails to 700 urologists throughout the country with 14% response rate. Incidence of PF varies significantly in different parts of Iran. Western province of Kermanshah has a significantly higher rate of PF. Adding data from different regions of Iran, we calculated that incidence of PF in Iran can be estimated between 1.14 to 10.48 per 100,000 of male populations, most probably closer to lower end. Although the incidence of PF varies significantly in different geographical areas, urologists practicing in Iran on average may encounter a PF patient every 3.5 months. To diagnose PF, majority of reviewed studies relied on history and clinical examination and did not recommend imaging except in patients with possible urethral injuries. Immediate surgical intervention can make good functional results with low morbidity and short hospital stay. Delayed surgical intervention and observational management approaches need large population studies with long term follow up.

Penile Fracture: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To review the causes and management of penile fracture and to compare between surgical and conservative management as well as immediate and delayed interventions in terms of overall and specific complications.

METHODS

A search of all reported literature was conducted for all articles reporting on the management and outcomes of penile fractures. Full texts of relevant articles were obtained and screened according to the inclusion criteria. Outcomes measures were numbers of patients receiving surgical or conservative management, aetiology of fracture, length of admission, complications as well as the specifics of diagnostic approaches and operative management. Data was collated and where possible meta-analysed using Revman software.

RESULTS

A total of 58 relevant studies involving 3,213 patients demonstrated that intercourse accounts for only 48% of cases with masturbation and forced flexion accounting for 39%. Meta-analysis shows that surgical intervention was associated with significantly fewer complications vs. conservative management (p < 0.000001). Surgical intervention results in significantly less erectile dysfunction (ED), curvature and painful erection than conservative management. There was no significant difference in the number of patients developing plaques/nodules (p = 0.94). Meta-analysis shows that overall early surgery is preferable to delayed surgery but that rates of ED are not significantly different.

DISCUSSION

Early surgical intervention is associated with significantly fewer complications than conservative management or delayed surgery. The combined outcome of rapid diagnosis by history and clinical examination and swift surgical intervention is key for reconstruction with minimal long-term complications.

Penile fracture: outcomes of early surgical intervention

OBJECTIVE

To report a series of penile fractures, describing preoperative evaluation, surgical repair, and long-term outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records from Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Oregon Health & Science University from 2002 to 2011 were reviewed. Clinical presentation, preoperative evaluation, time from injury, mechanism and site of injury, and presence of urethral injury were assessed. Outcomes including erectile dysfunction, penile curvature, and voiding symptoms were evaluated using International Prostate Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function scores.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients with 30 separate episodes of penile fractures presenting to the emergency room were identified. Mean patient age was 43 ± 9.6 years. The time from presentation to the initiation of surgery was 5.5 ± 4.4 hours. Mechanism of injury was intercourse in 26 of 30 fractures with the remaining attributed to masturbation or "rolling over." Immediate surgical repair was offered to all patients. Twenty-seven patients underwent surgery. Urethral injury was noted in 5 of the 27. The site of fracture was at the proximal shaft in 11, mid shaft in 12, and distal shaft in 4 patients. The mean follow-up period was 14.3 ± 15.8 weeks. Nine patients reported new mild erectile dysfunction or penile curvature. One patient reported new irritative voiding symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The most common mechanism of penile fracture was from sexual intercourse, and frequent concomitant urethral injuries were observed. The frequency of concomitant urethral injury was higher than in previous studies. Although we observed high incidence of erectile dysfunction or penile curvature with early surgical repair, we retain it as the favored approach.

Urotrauma: AUA guideline

PURPOSE

The authors of this guideline reviewed the urologic trauma literature to guide clinicians in the appropriate methods of evaluation and management of genitourinary injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE® and EMBASE databases (search dates 1/1/90-9/19/12) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to urotrauma. The review yielded an evidence base of 372 studies after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. These publications were used to inform the statements presented in the guideline as Standards, Recommendations or Options. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence for a particular treatment was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate) or C (low). In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions.

RESULTS

Guideline statements were created to inform clinicians on the initial observation, evaluation and subsequent management of renal, ureteral, bladder, urethral and genital traumatic injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Genitourinary organ salvage has become increasingly possible as a result of advances in imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and reconstructive surgery. As the field of genitourinary reconstruction continues to evolve, clinicians must strive to approach clinical problems in a creative, multidisciplinary, evidence-based manner to ensure optimal outcomes.

Urethral pseudodiverticulum secondary to penile fracture and complete urethra dissection

A 22-year-old man reported cracking sound and acute pain during sexual intercourse followed by rapid penile detumescence and ecchymosis. He experienced more pain because he could not urinate and had a palpably full bladder. Moreover, his urethra was bleeding. Physical examination revealed swollen, ecchymotic and deviated penis and penis ultrasonography showed an injury of the tunica albuginea and Buck's fascia with an expanding hematoma. Suprapubic catheter was positioned. Surgical exploration revealed a tear of tunica albuginea of both corpora cavernosa and complete urethral dissection. End-to-end urethral anastomosis and suture of corpora cavernosa lesion were performed. Vescical catheter was mantained for 6 days and suprapubic catheter for 3 months to allow a complete urethral healing. A pseudodiverticulum was found at anastomosis level on the urethrocistography 1 month after surgery. It disappeared by allowing micturition via the suprapubic catheter. The patient presented regular urinary flow and physiological erections 30 days later. In our experience, prompt surgical repair preserved erectile function and keeping the suprapubic catheter protected the urethra; this was the correct management for repairing the urethral lesion.