The Usefulness of Emergent Penile Ultrasonography and Surgical Intervention for a Fracture of the Penis

Sung, Won Sub; Yang, Sang Kuk; Kim, Hong Sup

Abstract

PURPOSE: The records of 12 patients diagnosed with a fracture of the penis were reviewed to assess the usefulness, not only of penile ultrasonography, but also the outcome of an emergent surgical operation for a fracture of the penis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twelve patients with a fracture of the penis, as a result of blunt trauma (mean age 41 years old), were reviewed. Of the 12 patients, 9 fractured their penis during sexual intercourse, and 3 during penile manipulation. Patients were managed with an emergent surgical operation, which was performed on the basis of a preoperative cavernosography, penile ultrasonography and retrograde urethrography. All 12 patients were treated with a surgical operation, with follow-up examinations performed 2 weeks later. However, only 5 patients were followed-up over a long period (average 3.5 year).
RESULTS
To identify the rupture site of the corpus cavernosum, both penile ultrasonography and cavernosography were performed, and the precise rupture site also confirmed. All patients presented successful outcomes, with the exception of 3 that complained of intermittent painful erections. Five patients were able to preserve potency during the long evaluation period following the operation. However, two patients complained about a mild curvature of the penis and three had intermittent painful erections.
CONCLUSIONS
Using penile ultrasonography for the purpose of diagnosing patients with a fractured penis is useful as an investigative methods, and the use of an additional diagnostic tool is almost unnecessary. Despite minimal complications (2 penile curvatures and 3 intermittent painful erections), the result of an emergent surgical operation was excellent for the preservation of sexual potency in patient with a fracture of the penis.