Superficial penile cancer treated with complete excision of the glans epithelium and coverage with a tissue sealant matrix (TachoSil®)

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our work was to demonstrate the feasibility and clinical outcomes after partial excision of the epithelial and subepithelial layer of the glans with subsequent tissue sealant matrix coverage (TachoSil®). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 11 consecutive patients with superficial penile cancer. Under the microscopic guidance, the tumor in the glans area was excised continuously with a minimal lateral margin of 5 mm. The cosmetic result was accessed using a 5-graded scale ranging from very dissatisfied to very satisfied. RESULTS: The median patient's age at the presentation was 46 years (range 38–53). Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed squamous cell carcinoma and tumor-free surgical margins were obtained in all cases. Overall, the tumors were TaG1 in 3 patients, TaG2 in 1 patient, TisG1 in 2 patients, TisG2 in 2 patient, T1aG1 in 2 patients, and T1aG2 in 1 patient. All patients had clinically negative lymph-node status – cN0 (confirmed by aabdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast). During the follow-up of 6 to 36 months (median 18), local recurrence occurred in 1 patient with carcinoma in situ six months after surgery, which was managed by a second glans-preserving surgery without recurrence. The others showed no signs of local recurrence or metastasis during the period of observation. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data suggests that glans-preserving surgical technique using TachoSil® as a defect coverage is technically feasible, functionally safe and cosmetically satisfying. However, well-designed prospective-randomized trial is warranted, to further confirm the clinical utility of our approach.