Isolated ventral congenital penile curvature treated by incisionless plication of tunica albuginea in adults: A prospective case series

BACKGROUND: Numerous surgical techniques are available for the correction of isolated ventral congenital penile curvature (IVCPC). This study aimed to assess the outcomes and predictors of IVCPC treatment in adults using an incisionless plication technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective case series examined patients with IVCPC who were treated in our hospital between October 2017 and February 2020 using incisionless plication of the tunica albuginea (Essed-Schroeder technique) with a covering pair of absorbable sutures. The primary outcomes were successful correction (defined as a residual curvature ≤15 degrees) and patient satisfaction. Postoperative follow-ups were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were treated for IVCPC with a mean (range) age of 25.3 (18–31) years. Eighteen patients (78.3%) were single with cosmetic complaints, whereas the other 5 patients (21.7%) were married and presented with a difficult vaginal intromission. The mean (range) curvature, length, and operative time were 40 (30–50) degrees, 15 (10–19) cm, and 82 (65–100) minutes, respectively. Postoperative penile pain and numbness occurred in 13 patients (56.5 %) and 7 patients (30.4%) only within the first month, respectively. Palpable suture knots were reported in 15 patients (65.5%) without being bothersome up to 12 months. The postoperative means (ranges) of penile curvature and length were significantly different from that of the preoperative values at 3 (5 [0–20] degrees and 14.5 [9–18.5] cm), 6 (5 [0–20] degrees and 14.5 [9–18.5] cm), and 12 months (5 [0–30] degrees and 14.5 [9–18.5] cm; all p < 0.001). Age, preoperative penile curvature, penile length, postoperative pain, wound infections, and knot palpation insignificantly affected curvature recurrence. Seventeen patients (73.9%) were very satisfied with their surgical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Incisionless plication of the tunica albuginea is effective and safe for the correction of IVCPC in adults with high success and patient satisfaction rates.