Penile Fracture Repair

Repair of a ruptured Corpora Cavernosa which may sometimes involve a repair of the urethra as well.

 

How does this occur?

  • Classically seen in guys turning over onto an erect penis in their sleep.
  • Vigorous sex where the erect penis slips out and is re-inserted outside the desired orifice, causing a bend and snap in the corpora cavernosa with a loud snap sound signifying a tear of the CC.
  • Occurs at any age.
  • Sudden severe swelling of penis turning blue, looking like an eggplant.
  • Pain occurs at the time of incident.
  • This requires acute attention, therefore make your way to an emergency department as soon as possible.

What to do?

  • URGENT.
  • Make your way to ED ASAP
  • An ultrasound is done to isolate the tear in the Corpora.

How is it fixed?

  • This fixed under general anesthetic.
  • Supine position (on your back), sterile procedure.
  • An incision is done over the isolated spot.
  • The corpora is sutured with non-dissolving sutures.
  • Where the area is not seen on ultrasound, the foreskin is loosened under the glans with a circumferential incision and the whole penile skin is retracted to the base of the penis.
  • Occasionally a circumcision may result due to complications with this technique, yet foreskin preservation is attempted.
  • An indwelling catheter will be inserted until the swelling is better.
  • A dressing is then applied, which should be removed after 72 hours.

What to expect after the procedure?

  • Any anesthetic has its risks, and the anesthetist will explain such risks.
  • Bleeding is a common complication.
  • A hematoma (blood collection under the skin) is present and will take some time to settle. 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.
  • Necrosis of the foreskin can occur in rare circumstances.
  • 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.

What next?

  • 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.
  • The catheter will be removed as soon as you are awake, or if there are concerns, the following morning.
  • 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 6 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.

 

Download Information Sheet

Wes Penile Fracture Repair

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