A retrospective evaluation of the safety and effectiveness of an innovative penile enlargement approach: the Hardrock Sandwich Technique.

Abstract

Penile enlargement procedures have become increasingly popular for aesthetic and psychological reasons. While traditional enlargement techniques, such as fat grafting, hyaluronic acid fillers, and silicone implants, have varying degrees of success, they also present risks such as infection, migration, and resorption. The Hardrock Sandwich Technique (HST) combines bovine pericardial grafts with autologous plasma gel to enhance penile girth and incorporates suspensory ligament release with testicular prosthesis placement for length increase. However, data on the technique's long-term safety, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction remain limited. This study evaluates the safety, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction of HST use in elective penile enlargement surgery. It focuses on postoperative changes in penile dimensions, self-confidence, self-esteem, and complications over a period of at least one year after surgery. This retrospective, single-center study included 456 male patients who underwent the HST between April 2022 and September 2024, with at least one year of follow-up. Penile girth and length were measured preoperatively and on the 1^st day, 3^rd month, and 12^th month after the operation. Patient satisfaction, self-confidence, and self-esteem were assessed using the Augmentation Phalloplasty Patient Selection and Satisfaction Inventory. Postoperative complications were recorded. On the first postoperative day, mean penile girth increased by 43.13% (4.51 ± 2.17 cm, p < 0.001), and penile length increased by 20.78% (2.17 ± 2.53 cm, p < 0.001). A total of 83.40, 71.10, and 75.30% of the patients reported improvements in satisfaction, self-confidence, and self-esteem, respectively, one year after the operation. Postoperative complications included seroma (6.12%), wound dehiscence (2.34%), infection (2.65%), and hematoma (1.40%). One patient had skin necrosis (0.22%), which required the graft to be removed. None of the patients experienced erectile dysfunction or ejaculation issues. The HST is a promising approach for penile augmentation that offers significant improvements in girth, length, and patient satisfaction with minimal complications.