Penile fracture; three years’ experience from a tertiary care centre
Background: To study cause, presentation, diagnosis and early management of penile fracture and to prevent the complications.Methods: In this study 48 patients of penile fracture were included in the study who were admitted in general surgery department at Government Medical College Srinagar from May 2007 to May 2010. All patients were evaluated with detailed history, clinical examination and baseline investigations followed by immediate surgical repair.Results: Age range of patients was 21-75 years. Youngest being 21 years and eldest being 75 years (median-30 years). 38(79.1%) patients were married while as 10(20.9%) patients were unmarried. Sexual intercourse was main cause, seen in 41(85.4%) of patients, aggressive masturbation in 5(10.4%) patients and rolling over in bed during erection was seen in 3(6.2%) patients. All patients presented in general surgery department with complaints of pain and swelling in penile region. Time interval between injury and presentation to the department ranged from 4-24 hours (mean 11 hours). Isolated cavernosa injury was seen in 43 (89.6%) patients, while as 5 (10.4%) patients were having associated urethral injury (3 were having partial injury and 2 complete urethral disruption). There was a ventral rent in 31(64.6%) patients and lateral rent in17 (35.4%). Size of tear in tunica albuginea was less than 1cms in 19(39.6%) patients, 1-2cm in 17(35.4) patients and more than 2cms in 12 (25%) patients. Patients were discharged on 2-5 days (mean 3.1 days). There were no immediate postoperative complications. 2 (4.1%) patients had pricking sensation at repair site, 1(2.05%) patient had pain during erection and 2 (4.01%) patients had mild deviation during erection on follow up.Conclusions: Penile fracture is a relatively rare urological emergency which mostly occurs during sexual intercourse or aggressive masturbation and is usually a clinical diagnosis. Early surgical repair avoids complications and preserves both sexual and voiding functions.