Impact of the timing of surgery on the recovery of sexual functions after fracture penis

Background

Fracture penis is an uncommon urological emergency, which often results from sexual trauma. Diagnosis remains clinical, and early surgical management is advocated. However, the timing of the repair may have a bearing on the outcomes. Herein, we share our experience of 17 such cases and compare the complications and the sexual function in relation to the timing of the surgery.

Methods

The records of all patients with a penile fracture who had presented to our hospital between 1st Mar 2015 and 28th Feb 2021 were reviewed. All patients were managed surgically. The patients were divided into three groups based on the time elapsed between the injury and the surgery. All patients were followed up for 6 months and the development of complications was recorded. The sexual function was assessed with International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) at the end of 6 months.

Results

A total of 17 patients were included in the study. Coital trauma was the most common cause, followed by masturbation. 15 out of the 17 patients were operated on within 48 h of the injury. There were no long-term complications except for one patient having a palpable painless nodule at the site of the repair. At 6 months follow-up all patients who had an immediate surgical repair on presentation, had a normal sexual function, and there was no difference between those who presented early or after 48 h of injury.

Conclusion

Immediate surgical intervention should be the treatment of choice for all patients with a penile fracture, even if they present late, to prevent complications and erectile dysfunction.