Correction of penile curvature using the 16-dot plication technique: a review of 132 patients

PURPOSE: We review the results of 132 cases of congenital and acquired penile curvature corrected with our 16 or 24-dot, minimal tension technique using multiple parallel plications performed under papaverine induced erection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chart and telephone interviews were conducted on 132 consecutive patients 16 to 79 years old who underwent penile plication between December 1995 and November 2000. Patient data as well as outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: We were unable to contact 8 patients. Of the patients 16 had congenital penile curvature, including 4 in whom the Nesbit procedure performed elsewhere had failed, and 116 had Peyronie's disease, including 8 in whom a previous Nesbit procedure had failed. Preoperative complaints included persistent penile pain with erection for more than 1 year in 15 of 132 cases, difficult intercourse or partner discomfort in 106 and poor self-image in 11. Curvature ranged from 30 to 120 degrees. Erections were evaluated preoperatively with duplex ultrasound after intracavernous injection and self-stimulation. Of the patients 63% had good erections, 25% moderate erections requiring sildenafil and 12% poor erections requiring injection therapy. Foreskin edema necessitating subsequent circumcision and an organized hematoma requiring evacuation occurred in 1 case each. At 6 months 93% of patients reported straight erections and 7% reported almost straight but acceptable erections. Recurrence of curvature was reported by 15% of patients at a mean of 2.6 years of followup. Four patients reported worsening of erectile function after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Penile plication is a simple, safe method to correct congenital and acquired penile curvature. Using a minimal tension parallel plication technique, excellent durable results can be attained. This simplified repair avoids the neurovascular bundles and has a minimal to no detrimental affect on erectile function. Preoperative counseling must be given regarding penile shortening and the palpable small bumps from the nonabsorbable sutures.