Traumatic rupture of the corpus cavernosum: surgical management and clinical outcomes. A 30 years review

INTRODUCTION: Penile trauma (PT) with associated rupture of the corpus cavernosum, also called penile fracture, is a urological emergency and surgical treatment is usually the choice of management. Our objective is to report our experience after 30 years in the diagnosis and therapeutic options of PT and evaluate the clinical outcomes after the treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 1983 to January 2013, 27 patients were identified. Data was analyzed and is presented in absolute numbers, range, percentage and mean. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 30.7 years, range from 19 to 37. All the patients came complaining of penile swelling and hematoma, and more than half of them (60.7%) reported hearing a snap sound. Some rare causes were identified in our series such as self–mutilation, avulsion, firearm and electrocution. Clinical presentation was diagnostic in all the patients, and the diagnosis was verified by penile ultrasonography in most cases (60.7%). Mean surgery time: 94 minutes. Urethral repair was required in 2 patients. Mean hospital stay was 2 days. Good functional results are shown during follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Rupture of the corpus cavernosum is a rare condition and is generally diagnosed by clinical findings. Emergency surgical exploration and treatment is the best guarantee of good functional and cosmetic results.