Peyronie’s Disease Surgery: What are the options?
Peyronie’s Disease Surgery Options
Peyronie's disease is a condition that affects the penis, causing it to become curved or bent. This curvature is caused by the buildup of scar tissue inside the penis. Peyronie's disease can be painful and make sexual activity difficult or impossible. While there are several non-surgical treatments available, surgical options may be necessary for severe cases. In this article, we will explore the different surgical treatments for Peyronie's disease.
Penile Plication (Nesbit Procedure)
Penile plication is a surgical procedure used to reduce the curvature of the penis caused by Peyronie's disease. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the penis and places stitches to reduce the curvature. The stitches are placed on the opposite side of the penis from the scar tissue, which helps to straighten the penis. Penile plication is a relatively simple and straightforward procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis .
Penile plication is best suited for patients with mild to moderate curvature. It is less effective for patients with severe curvature or those with a short penis. The procedure can also cause shortening of the penis, which can be a concern for some patients. However, penile shortening is typically minimal and not noticeable.
Penile Grafting (Lue Procedure)
Penile grafting is a surgical procedure used to relax the scar tissue inside the penis with a piece of tissue from another part of the body or a synthetic material. During the procedure, the surgeon relaxes the scar tissue and then places the graft material in its place. The graft material is then stitched into place.
Penile grafting is best suited for patients with severe curvature or those with extensive scar tissue. The procedure can be more complex than penile plication and may require a longer recovery time.
There are several different types of graft materials that can be used for penile grafting. Each type of graft material has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of graft material will depend on the patient's individual needs and circumstances.
Penile Prosthesis
Penile prosthesis is a surgical procedure used to implant a device that allows the penis to become erect. The device consists of two cylinders that are inserted into the penis, a pump that is implanted in the scrotum, and a reservoir that is implanted in the abdomen. When the patient wants to have an erection, they simply pump the device, which fills the cylinders with fluid and causes the penis to become erect.
Penile prosthesis is best suited for patients with severe Peyronie's disease who have not responded to other treatments or for those who also have erectile dysfunction.
There are two types of penile prostheses: inflatable and non-inflatable. Inflatable penile prostheses are the most commonly used and consist of three parts: two cylinders that are placed inside the penis, a pump that is placed in the scrotum, and a reservoir that is placed in the abdomen. Non-inflatable penile prostheses, on the other hand, consist of two bendable rods that are placed inside the penis.
Factors to Consider
When considering surgical options for Peyronie's disease, there are several factors to take into consideration. These include the severity of the curvature, the degree of pain and discomfort, the presence of erectile dysfunction, and the patient's overall health.
Patients with mild to moderate curvature may be good candidates for penile plication, while those with severe curvature may require penile grafting or the Nesbit procedure. Patients who also have erectile dysfunction may benefit from penile prosthesis surgery.
It is important to note that surgical treatment for Peyronie's disease is not without risks. Complications can include infection, bleeding, pain, and erectile dysfunction. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of each surgical option with their healthcare provider and choose the option that is best suited to their individual needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
Peyronie's disease is a condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort for patients. While non-surgical treatment options are available, some patients may require surgical treatment to correct the curvature of the penis. Penile plication, penile grafting and penile prosthesis are all surgical options that can be effective in reducing curvature and improving sexual function. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of each option with their healthcare provider and choose the option that is best suited to their individual needs and circumstances.