Penile Biopsy

Biopsy of penile skin / lesion to confirm or exclude penile cancer

This procedure is done under local or general anesthetic.
Supine position.
The foreskin may be the only affected area and therefore a circumcision is done.
Otherwise, the affected area is exposed and cleaned.
If it is a large area, a wedge resection of an area close to normal skin is done.
Otherwise, a complete excision biopsy is done.
Hemostatic sutures are placed.
Hemostatic dressings are placed
Specimen is sent to a histopathologist.
An in catheter may be inserted if the biopsy area involves the meatus of your urethra.
A dressing is then applied, which should be removed after 72 hours.
A local anesthetic is injected at the base of the penis as a penile block thus giving post-operative pain relief for the next 4-6 hours.

Any anesthetic has its risks, and the anesthetist will explain such risks.
Bleeding is a common complication.
A hematoma (blood collection under the skin). Bruising is normal.
Sutures may tear loose with vigorous use of erect penis, and the procedure may then require revision.
An infection of the wound may occur and requires immediate attention.
DANGER SIGNS: A wound that swells immediately, fever, and puss. Contact Dr Schoeman or the hospital immediately as this occurs in up to 15–20% of all cases.

Dressings should be kept dry for the initial 72 hours after surgery and soaked off in a bath thereafter.
The dressing may sometimes adhere to the wound causing slight bleeding on removal. Don’t panic, the bleeding will stop.
Patients should schedule a follow-up appointment with Dr Schoeman 2 weeks after the procedure.
There will be signs of bruising for at least 10 days.
Refrain from using your erect penis for 3-4 weeks.
The suture-line will be hard and indurated for at least 8-10 weeks.
PLEASE CONTACT THE HOSPITAL DIRECTLY WITH ANY POST-OPERATIVE CONCERNS AND RETURN TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY SHOULD THERE BE ANY SIGNS OF SEPSIS.

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Wes Penile lesion exision Biopsy