Surgical management and post-operative functional outcomes of patients with a penile fracture-a single centre experience over 10 years

BackgroundPenile fractures are uncommon urological emergencies which occur when there has been a breach in the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosum that may be unilateral and bilateral and can extend to involve the urethra.AimTo assess the management and outcomes of penile fractures in a single institution in Ireland.MethodsA retrospective review of the emergency theatre logbooks was performed between 2011 and 2021 to identify patients who had undergone an exploration for a suspected penile fracture.OutcomesSeventeen patients were initially identified on review of theatre logbooks as having an exploration for a suspected penile fracture. Two patients were excluded from the study due to a lack of clinical notes being available. A further 4 patients on chart review were found to not have a penile fracture at exploration.ResultsEleven patients had a confirmed penile fracture intra-operatively, four of whom had an associated urethral injury. Nine (9/11) patients had preserved normal erections post-operatively documented on follow-up; two, however, reported erectile dysfunction requiring phosphodiesterase inhibitors.Clinical implicationsOur study supports urgent surgical exploration for penile fractures to ensure good functional outcomes.Strengths and limitationsThis is a retrospective review of theatre logbooks to identify patients with a suspected penile fracture.ConclusionThe results of our cohort show a good outcome of erectile function following surgical repair of a penile fracture (9/11; 82%). Four patients (4/11; 36%) had a urethral injury diagnosed intra-operatively, one of whom required a formal urethroplasty.

Automated summary

This study reviewed the management and outcomes of penile fractures in a single institution in Ireland. The results indicated that urgent surgical exploration was important for good functional outcomes, and some patients may require additional treatments.