Clinical recommendations on penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery: a consensus statement from the Asia-Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine

Introduction

Penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery remains a highly specialized field where potential complications can be devastating, and unrealistic patient expectations can often be difficult to manage. Furthermore, surgical practice can vary depending on locoregional expertise and sociocultural factors.

Methods

The Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine (APSSM) panel of experts reviewed contemporary evidence regarding penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery with an emphasis on key issues relevant to the Asia-Pacific (AP) region and developed a consensus statement and set of clinical practice recommendations on behalf of the APSSM. The Medline and EMBASE databases were searched using the following terms: "penile prosthesis implant," "Peyronie's disease," "penile lengthening," "penile augmentation," "penile enlargement," "buried penis," "penile disorders," "penile trauma," "transgender," and "penile reconstruction" between January 2001 and June 2022. A modified Delphi method was undertaken, and the panel evaluated, agreed, and provided consensus statements on clinically relevant penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery, namely (1) penile prosthesis implantation, (2) Peyronie's disease, (3) penile trauma, (4) gender-affirming (phalloplasty) surgery, and (5) penile esthetic (length and/or girth enlargement) surgery.

Main outcome measures

Outcomes were specific statements and clinical recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, and if clinical evidence is lacking, a consensus agreement is adopted. The panel provided statements on clinical aspects of surgical management in penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery.

Results

There is a variation in surgical algorithms in patients based on sociocultural characteristics and the availability of local resources. Performing preoperative counseling and obtaining adequate informed consent are paramount and should be conducted to discuss various treatment options, including the pros and cons of each surgical intervention. Patients should be provided with information regarding potential complications related to surgery, and strict adherence to safe surgical principles, preoperative optimization of medical comorbidities and stringent postoperative care are important to improve patient satisfaction rates. For complex patients, surgical intervention should ideally be referred and performed by expert high-volume surgeons to maximize clinical outcomes.

Clinical implications

Due to the uneven distribution of surgical access and expertise across the AP region, development of relevant comprehensive surgical protocols and regular training programs is desirable.

Strengths and Limitations

This consensus statement covers comprehensive penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgery topics and is endorsed by the APSSM. The variations in surgical algorithms and lack of sufficient high-level evidence in these areas could be stated as a limitation.

Conclusion

This APSSM consensus statement provides clinical recommendations on the surgical management of various penile reconstructive and prosthetic surgeries. The APSSM advocates for surgeons in AP to individualize surgical options based on patient condition(s) and needs, surgeon expertise, and local resources.

Buried penis: a histological and histochemical study of dartos fascia

This study aimed to determine whether the abnormal deep layer of dartos fascia plays an important role in buried penis. Forty-nine patients with buried penis were treated with anatomical resection of the deep layer of dartos fascia under a microscope. Penile length was measured before and after completely resecting the deep layer to investigate the role of this layer in penile retraction. The superficial and deep layers of dartos fascia were collected from 49 patients with buried penis, the normal superficial layers were collected from 25 children/adults who underwent circumcision for nonmedical reasons, and the normal deep layers were collected from 20 adult cadavers. The penile fascia samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, Sirius red, and Verhoeff's Van Gieson, and subjected to immunohistochemical examination and scanning electron microscopy. The penile shaft (mean ± standard deviation) was found to be significantly elongated after resecting the deep layer compared with that before resection (6.8 ± 1.9 cm vs 6.0 ± 1.6 cm, P < 0.001). An abnormal deep layer of dartos fascia characterized by disordered and fragmented elastic fibers was observed in 87.8% (43/49) of buried penis samples, whereas no abnormal deep layer was observed in normal penises from cadavers (0/20, P < 0.001). Thus, the abnormal deep layer of dartos fascia plays an important role in the buried penis. Its resection is helpful for avoiding recurrence.

A modified fixation technique for the treatment of buried penis in children

For many years, surgical treatment of buried penis in children has been researched by several scholars, and numerous methods exist. This study aimed to explore the clinical effect of a modified fixation technique in treating buried penis in children. Clinical data of 94 patients with buried penis who were treated using the modified penile fixation technique from March 2017 to February 2019 in Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital (Fuzhou, China) were retrospectively collected, compared, and analyzed. Clinical data of 107 patients with buried penis who were treated using traditional penile fixation technique from February 2014 to February 2017 were chosen for comparison. The results showed that at 6 months and 12 months after surgery, the penile lengths in the modified penile fixation group were longer than those in the traditional penile fixation group (both P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative skin contracture and penile retraction in the modified penile fixation group was less than that in the traditional penile fixation group (P = 0.034 and P = 0.012, respectively). When the two groups were compared in terms of parents' satisfaction scores, the scores for penile size, penile morphology, and voiding status in the modified penile fixation group were higher than those in the traditional penile fixation group at 2-week, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups after surgery (all P < 0.05). We concluded that the modified penile fixation technique could effectively reduce the incidence of skin contracture and penile retraction and improve the penile length and satisfaction of patients' parents.

A de novo pure 21q22.3 deletion in a 9-year-old boy with buried penis: a case report and literature review

21q deletion has been associated with a wide range of clinical signs, from very mild to severe phenotypes, and with the progress of genetic technology, more patients with this deletion are being diagnosed. This study reports on a 9-year-old boy with a terminal deletion of 4.5 Mb on chromosome 21 in the locus of chr21: 43531239-48119895 (GRCh37/hg19). Dark skin, a buried penis, small testes, dental caries, microcephaly, a low auricle, mental and intellectual retardation, balance disorder and pituitary and callosum dysplasia were observed. The results of a literature review and observation of similar abnormalities, including hypoplasia of corpus callosum, in two patients with non-overlapping deletion regions suggest that there are multiple gene loci regulating brain development on 21q. By comparing the overlapped deletion region in 21q22.3 cases of brain anomalies and/or gonadal dysgenesis, we concluded there were two overlapped microdeletion regions (chr21:43531239-43792093 and chr21:46625055-46884297) that may be related to brain and gonadal development. The same 16.49 Mb deletion of chr21:31578129-48119895 (GRCh37/hg19) was shared in 10 cases, and 24 cases shared the same 5.59 Mb deletion of chr21:42478130-48119895 (GRCh37/hg19) in DECIPHER (Database of Chromasomal Imbalance and Phenotype in Humans using Ensembl Resources), suggesting these were two commonly deleted regions of pure partial 21q. Those patients with the same breakpoints had different phenotypes suggesting the heterogeneity of 21q deletion.

Increase apparent penile length by cryolipolysis in the reduction of male suprapubic fat

The buried or hidden penis in adults is troublesome in males, whereas the length of the penile shaft is buried under the skin surface of the suprapubic fat to a degree that reveals the concept of a little penis. We aimed to assess a new modality of treatment to increase the apparent penile length by using the cryolipolysis in the reduction of male suprapubic fat as a noninvasive procedure. This prospective study was performed on 46 male patients complaining of buried short apparent small size penis. All patients were subjected to full medical history, body mass index and examination of penile (length, size and abnormalities). The measures of the apparent penile length from the skin to the tip of the glans penis and suprapubic skin fold thickness using (adipometer) were recorded before the three consecutive suprapubic cryolipolysis sessions. The mean apparent stretched penile length at session 1, 2 and 3 were 12.1 ± 0.5 cm, 12.66 ± 0.48 and 12.88 ± 0.72, respectively, with a statistically significant increase between three sessions (p < .001), whereas the mean skin fold suprapubic fat at session 1, 2 and 3 was 2.99 ± 0.49 cm, 2.37 ± 0.48 and 2 ± 0.37, respectively, with a statistically significant decrease (p < .001). The cryolipolysis of suprapubic fat is a safe, effective, noninvasive and applicable procedure that successfully decreases the suprapubic fat in males and increases the apparent length of the buried penises.

Buried penis in adults as a complication of circumcision: Surgical management and long-term outcomes

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and long-term functional outcomes of surgical correction of adult buried penis patients due to complications of childhood circumcision. A retrospective analysis was performed for patients who underwent treatment for buried penis between 1997 and 2019. An autologous split-thickness skin graft (STSG) was used. Surgical management steps included circumcision, resection of the bands between the corpora and other tissues, harvesting of STSG from femoral region and graft application. Surgical and functional outcomes were the primary end points. Thirteen patients were included with a mean age of 22.4 years and median body mass index 27. Patients had similar symptoms, including sexual dysfunction, inadequate penile length, impossible penetration and decreased quality of life. No early post-operative complication was seen. During a median of 44-month follow-up, post-operative long-term complications were seen in 4 (30%) patients: decreased graft sensation (n = 2); graft contracture five months after surgery (n = 1); and retarded ejaculation (n = 1). Patients' post-operative three-month International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score and sexual satisfaction score (SSS) significantly increased compared with patients' pre-operative scores (IIEF; 22.8 vs. 14.1, p = .03, SSS; 8.7 vs. 3.2, p < .01). Buried penis is a rare but challenging condition. Patients had excellent graft acceptance with successful functional outcomes.

Suprapubic Liposuction With a Modified Devine's Technique for Buried Penis Release in Adults

Background

With the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, adult-acquired buried penis is more common in recent years. Many surgical techniques have been reported. However, none is the gold standard.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining suprapubic liposuction and modified Devine's technique for penile lengthening in adult patients with buried penis due to obesity.

Methods

From September 2015 to June 2018, 26 consecutive suitable patients (mean age: 33 ± 5.7 years, mean body mass index: 29 ± 5.4 kg/m²) with a buried penis received suprapubic liposuction and modified Devine's technique for penis release in our medical centre. A retrospective study was conducted. Their penile length from tip to the skin (flaccid) was measured pre- and post-operatively. The amount of liposuction was also recorded accordingly.

Results

The mean length of the follow-up on the 26 patients is 18 ± 7.1 months (range 3-33 months). The average amount of liposuction is 450 ± 90.2 mL. The average penile length measured preoperatively, post-operatively (on table), and 3 months after the operation is 2.9 ± 1.3, 7.4 ± 2.1, and 5.3 ± 1.8 cm, respectively. The post-operative penile length had significantly increased by 4.5 ± 1.6 cm (on table) and 2.4 ± 0.7 cm (3 months post-operation) with a P value <.05. No patient had difficulties in sexual intercourse or urination post-operatively. None of the patients were dissatisfied with their surgical outcomes.

Conclusions

The combination of suprapubic liposuction and modified Devine's technique is a safe and effective method for releasing the buried penis of adults with satisfying outcomes.

Suspensory ligament release combined with acellular dermal matrix filler in infrapubic space: A new method for penile length augmentation

Until now, no reliable method is recognised in treating buried penis. This study explored a new method of penile length augmentation using acellular dermal matrix filler in infrapubic space combined with liposuction and penile suspensory release. Patients with "small-sized penis" received penile length augmentation procedure including suprapubic liposuction, penile suspensory ligament release and insertion of folded acellular dermal matrix between corpora cavernosa and pubis symphysis. Their penile length from tip to skin was measured pre-operatively and post-operatively. The post-operative complications and patients' satisfaction were also recorded. Fifteen adult male patients were included with the mean age of 33.2 ± 4.6 years old and BMI of 28.9 ± 5.3 kg/m² . The average amount of liposuction was 430 ± 90.0 ml. The average penile length measured pre-operatively and post-operatively (on table and 3 months afterwards) was 3.0 ± 1.3 cm, 7.3 ± 2.1 cm and 5.4 ± 1.8 cm. The penile length has significantly increased by 4.3 ± 1.6 cm (on table) and 2.4 ± 0.8 cm (3 months post-operatively; p < 0.05). The post-operative complications included oedema of penis, ecchymosis of lower abdomen and poor wound healing. No patient was dissatisfied with the appearance and function. The new method using acellular dermal matrix combined with liposuction and penile suspensory ligament release is safe and effective. The method could be applied to selected patients with buried penis.

Evaluation and management of adult acquired buried penis

Adult acquired buried penis represents the clinical manifestation of a wide spectrum of pathology due to a variety of etiologies. It can be related to obesity, a laxity in connective tissue, lichen sclerosis (LS), complications from penile/scrotal enlargement surgery, scrotal lymphedema, or hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Buried penis can be associated with poor cosmesis and hygiene, voiding dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. Evaluation and management of buried penis largely depends on etiology and degree of affected tissue. It is an increasingly common problem seen by reconstructive urologists and here we present several frequently seen scenarios of buried penis and management options.

Contemporary management of adult-acquired buried penis

OBJECTIVES

To describe our buried penis repair technique that includes penile release, tissue resection, wound closure, and penile reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In all, 73 patients were treated from 2007 to 2017. Patients can be categorised into five stages: Stage I, involves only a phimotic band; Stage 2, required excision of diseased penile skin with split-thickness skin grafting (STSG); Stage 3, requires scrotal excision; Stage 4, requires escutcheonectomy; and Stage 5, requires panniculectomy. Successful treatment hinges on adequate excision of diseased skin and de-bulking followed by replacement of deficient skin with STSG.

RESULTS

In all, 36 of 73 (49%) patients had Stage 1-3 disease, whilst 37 of 73 (51%) were Stage 4-5. There were complications within the first 30 days in 44 of 73 (60%) patients. In all, 62 of 73 (85%) patients either had no complications or Clavien-Dindo grade I-II complications and nine (12%) had complications beyond 30 days. Only five of 36 (14%) patients with Stage 1-3 disease had complications. One patient developed recurrent phimosis.

CONCLUSION

The buried penis is a challenging surgical entity where conservative treatment will most likely lead to failure. Surgery is the only means for a lasting cure in these patients and should be used as a first-line treatment. One should expect complications postoperatively, especially within the first 30 days; however, these are mostly limited to Clavien-Dindo grade I-II complications.

Comprehensive Review and Case Study on the Management of Buried Penis Syndrome and Related Panniculectomy

Objective: This paper discusses the various surgical techniques and outcomes associated with management of buried penis syndrome. Methods: Presented is the case of a 49-year-old man with morbid obesity, leading to massive panniculus and buried penis. We review our technique for reconstruction of the buried penis and treatment of the overlying large panniculus. Literature search was conducted to review current techniques in correcting buried penis syndrome. Results: The patient underwent a successful panniculectomy with removal of all excess skin and tissue. Thoughtful planning and coordination between plastic surgery and urology were paramount to externalize the penis for an excellent functional and cosmetic result. Conclusions: Management of a buried, hidden penis is complex and difficult. Patients are often obese and have poor hygiene due to the inability to cleanse areas that are entrapped by excessive fat. Following removal of the overhanging panniculus, satisfactory reconstruction of a hidden penis is possible when proper care is taken to adhere the base of the penis to the pubis. Split-thickness skin grafts are often necessary but depend on the viability of the penile skin and whether it is restricting penile length. Complications with wound dehiscence and infection are not uncommon; however, patients generally recover well, are satisfied with results, and are reported to have fully regained urinary and sexual functions following surgical correction of the buried penis.

Prenatal Anogenital Distance Is Shorter in Fetuses With Hypospadias

OBJECTIVES

Recent research provides evidence that anogenital distance may serve as a novel metric to assess reproductive potential in men. In children, a shorter anogenital distance was linked with cryptorchidism, hypospadias, and micropenis. Scarce data exist in the literature regarding anogenital distance measurement in the fetus. The aim of our study was to assess whether intrauterine measurement of fetal anogenital distance could assist in the differential diagnosis of male genital anomalies.

METHODS

Anogenital distance was prospectively measured in all cases referred for suspected isolated abnormal male genitalia. Final diagnoses, confirmed by a pediatric urologist, were compared with anogenital distance prenatal measurements.

RESULTS

Fifty-two cases were referred for evaluation because of suspected male external genital malformation during a 12-month period. Cases with normal-appearing genitalia, associated major malformations, and early severe fetal growth restriction were excluded from the study. Postnatal examination revealed 14 cases of hypospadias in varying severity and 8 cases of a buried penis. All fetuses with hypospadias had an anogenital distance measurement below the fifth percentile. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the normal mean anogenital distance for gestational age versus those with hypospadias (mean ± SD, 16.90 ± 4.08 and 11.68 ± 3.31 mm, respectively; P = .001). No significant difference was found between the normal mean anogenital distance for gestational age versus those with a buried penis (18.85 ± 2.76 and 19.46 ± 3.41 mm; P = .700).

CONCLUSIONS

Fetuses with hypospadias have a statistically significant shorter anogenital distance compared with the general population. Therefore, anogenital distance may serve as a complementary objective sonographic parameter in the prenatal assessment and counseling of male external genital anomalies.

Modified prepuce unfurling for buried penis: a report of 12 years of experience

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

About 10 years ago, we started to correct buried penis using the technique of modified prepuce unfurling. We have made modifications in the years since our preliminary results were reported in 2002.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-four patients received modified prepuce unfurling since 2000, with ages ranging from 2 months to 33 years. The surgical procedures included the removal of the narrowest part of the prepuce, dissection of the fibrotic tissue from the Buck's fascia, and unfurling the inner prepuce to cover the penis. Most patients had their procedures in day care service. No urinary catheter was needed. All patients were followed up for at least 2 months.

RESULTS

Most patients had satisfactory results. All patients had the glans exposed after surgery, although one patient needed reoperation for prolonged edema and two patients had wound infections.

CONCLUSION

Modified prepuce unfurling is a safe and effective method to correct buried penis.

Aesthetic surgery of the male genitalia

Appearance of the male genitalia is linked with self-esteem and sexual identity. Aesthetic surgery of the male genitalia serves to correct perceived deficiencies as well as physical deformities, which may cause psychological distress. Attention to patient motivation for surgery and to surgical technique is key to achieving optimal results. In this review, the authors describe aesthetic surgical techniques for treatment of penile and scrotal deficiencies. They also discuss techniques for revision in patients with previous surgery.