Glans reconstruction with the use of an inverted urethral flap after distal penile amputation for carcinoma

Functional and aesthetic outcome after ventral spatulation of urethra in partial penectomy

INTRODUCTION

Partial penectomy is one of the common organ preserving procedures for penile malignancies and certain benign conditions. Partial penectomy causes psychosexual morbidity to the patient. Dorsal spatulation of urethra is classically done while performing the procedure, it carries risk of meatal stenosis along with compromised cosmesis. Several complex neoglans reconstructive techniques exist to prevent stenosis and improve cosmetic outcomes. We hereby describe outcomes of a simple and reproducible modification of the procedure by ventral spatulation of the urethra.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

An analysis of 31 partial penectomies from May 2016 to June 2019 using a ventral spatulation technique was done. Patients were followed up for an average of 1 year to look for meatal stenosis, the morphological appearance of residual stump and psychosexual well-being.

RESULTS

None of the patient had meatal stenosis on follow up. All patients had a satisfactory cosmetic outcome, scoring 6 or more on ANA scale. Seventeen patients reported "satisfied", six scored "highly satisfied "and eight were "harmonic" with the outcome. Out of 31, significant patients (20) were sexually active with most of them "equally satisfied or dissatisfied" or "very much satisfied."

CONCLUSION

Used uncommonly, ventral spatulation of urethra is a simple, reproducible and less time consuming alternative, which avoids the chances of meatal stenosis and gives goodcosmetic results with psychological benefits to patients.

Penile sparing therapy for penile cancer

Penile cancer is a rare malignancy with a reported incidence of 0.66–1.44 per 100,000 men, and a reported mortality of 0.15–0.37 per 10,000 men. Expert clinical examination and histological diagnosis from biopsy is required to determine the extent and invasion of disease, which is paramount in planning of appropriate treatment. Management of loco-regional penile cancer can be divided into management of primary tumour and management of regional lymph nodes. This review article will focus on the management of the primary penile tumour with particular focus on penile sparing therapies. The aim of primary penile tumour management is to completely remove the tumour whilst preserving as much organ function as possible. Preservation of the penis is important as it allows patients to maintain urinary and sexual function, as well as quality of life. With the majority of penile cancer confined to the glans and foreskin, most penile cancers can be managed with organ-preserving therapy. A wide variety of treatment options are available, and this review aims to describe each of the options including the reported oncological and functional outcome for the different therapies for penile cancer.

Neo-glans reconstruction for penile cancer: Description of the primary technique using autologous testicular tunica vaginalis graft

Partial penectomy (glansectomy with/or without distal corporectomy) is an acceptable alternative for smaller distal pT3 penile carcinoma lesions in highly motivated and compliant patients. The authors describe a novel technique of neo-glans reconstruction using a tunica vaginalis (TV) testis allograft. However, due to an unclear resection margin on final histology, the patient underwent re-do surgery with a neo-glans revision using the well-established mesh split-thickness skin graft (STSG) technique. The penile length was preserved and the penile and bulbar part of the urethra was additionally mobilised in order to obtain a natural and aesthetic result for the meatus. Neo-glans reconstruction with TV coverage may be another promising alternative, which certainly requires further evaluation. We believe that the donor-site associated morbidity is minimal when compared to other harvesting sites. However, this is just an assumption, because direct comparison data on grafting techniques and neo-glans reconstruction are not available. Nevertheless, we think that for re-do procedures a standardised approach using a STSG technique should be the treatment method of choice.

Sexual outcomes after partial penectomy for penile cancer: results from a multi-institutional study

Penile cancer is an uncommon malignancy. Surgical treatment is inevitably mutilating. Considering the strong impact on patients' sexual life we want to evaluate sexual function and satisfaction after partial penectomy. The patients in this study (n = 25) represented all those who attended our institutions and were diagnosed and treated for penile cancer from October 2011 to November 2013. All patients underwent partial penectomy and followed-up (mean: 14 months; range: 12-25). Sexual presurgical baseline was estimated using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction 15 (IIEF-15). Sexual outcomes of each patient were estimated considering four standardized and validated questionnaires. We analyzed the means and ranges of IIEF-15 including erectile function (IIEF-1-5 and -15), orgasmic function (IIEF-9 and -10), sexual desire (IIEF-11 and -12), intercourse satisfaction (IIEF-6-8), and overall satisfaction (IIEF-13 and -14). Then, we also used Quality of Erection Questionnaire (QEQ), Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) to evaluate the sexual function and satisfaction of our patients. The final results showed that penile cancer leads to several sexual and psychosexual dysfunctions. Nevertheless, patients who undergo partial penectomy for penile cancer can maintain the sexual outcomes at levels slightly lower to those that existed in the period before surgery.

Male genital reconstruction for the penile cancer survivor

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Malignant penile lesions are uncommon but represent a challenge for reconstructive surgeons because their treatment has a profound effect on appearance and quality of life of the patient.

RECENT FINDINGS

Partial or total penectomy remains the gold standard in the treatment of penile carcinoma. However, less invasive options that may improve quality of life are being considered, based on stage and grade of the tumor.

SUMMARY

A variety of surgical options exist for penile cancer treatment. In this article, we review various reconstructive approaches after initial surgical management of penile carcinoma. Regardless of reconstruction method, the goals remain the same: creating a functional and aesthetically acceptable phallus with the ability to void standing and to achieve sexual function.