Penile fracture: Surgical vs. conservative treatment

Penile fracture is a relatively uncommon form of urologic trauma, and is defined as blunt direct trauma to the fully erect or semi-erect penis resulting in rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpora cavernosa [1, 2]. Due to a sudden increase in the intracorporeal pressure, over-stretching of the tunica albuginea occurs, causing rupture. Involvement of or injury to the corpus spongiosum, urethra, dorsal nerve and vessels may also be present [3]. Patients typically present with symptoms including sharp penile pain, hearing a ‘cracking’ sound, rapid detumescence and swelling with or without ecchymosis of the penile shaft [4].
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Source Type: research