Advances in penile-sparing surgical approaches

OBJECTIVE: Penile cancer (PeCa) is a rare disease with a global incidence of 36 068 new cases in 2020. This accounts for 0.4% of all male malignancies. The surgical management of PeCa depends on the location of the tumour and depth of invasion. Here, we review the oncological and functional outcomes of penile-preserving surgery (PPS). METHODS: A PubMed search until July 2021 on PPS for PeCa was conducted; a narrative review on different penile-sparing approaches and outcomes was performed. RESULTS: PPS is now the standard of care in specialist centres for distal tumours not involving the corpus cavernosa. Laser therapy, glans resurfacing, and wide local excision are options for superficial lesions, whilst glansectomy is required for lesions invading into the corpus spongiosum. CONCLUSION: PPS aims to preserve urinary and sexual function without compromising oncological outcomes.