Shaeer’s corporal rotation IV: length-preserving correction of congenital ventral penile curvature

Abstract

Abstract Background For cases with severe penile curvature, the loss in length with shortening techniques or the loss in rigidity with incision grafting can compromise the results, hence the advent of Shaeer’s corporal rotation III technique, which corrects the most severe degrees of ventral penile curvature without loss in length, though with a certain degree of narrowing. Aim We sought to describe Shaeer’s corporal rotation IV, aiming at correction of moderate-to-severe ventral penile curvature with minimal shortening, minimal narrowing, and minimal mobilization of the neurovascular bundle, among other improvements such as using thicker suture material to decease recurrence while inverting the surgical knots. Methods Forty-two patients with congenital ventral penile curvature were selected for the study with a curve ranging from 60° to 90°. Patients were randomized into 1 of the 2 groups: Shaeer’s corporal rotation III (SCR-III) and SCR-IV. In SCR-IV, rotation is used to correct the main brunt of curvature, up to 70% to 80% of the curve. Plication is used to correct the residual curvature up to 100% straightness. This keeps the rotation points fewer and closer to the midline, thereby minimizing narrowing and mobilization of the neurovascular bundle. Outcomes Both groups were compared with regard to intraoperative erection angle, length, and girth, before and after rotation, as well as subjectively reported postoperative recurrence, penile sensitivity, satisfaction, and IIEF. Results The postcorrection angle was zero for all cases in the 2 groups. Dorsal length decreased by 3% in the SCR-IV group compared with 0.5% in the SCR-III group (2.5% difference). The difference in circumference between the narrowest and widest points was 2% in the SCR-IV group vs 9.3% in the SCR-III group (7.3% difference). The average operative time was 19.2% shorter with SCR-IV. Girth asymmetry was reported in 1 (4.8%) of 21 patients in the SCR-IV group compared with 15 (71.4%) of 21 in the SCR-III group. Partial hyposensitivity of the penis was reported in 9.5% in the SCR-IV group compared with 19% in the SCR-III group. Clinical Implications SCR-IV is an improvement over former versions of the technique, with higher patient satisfaction. Strengths and Limitations A strength of the study is the long follow-up period. Limitations include being a single-center study and reliance on patient reporting to evaluate recurrence and satisfaction. Conclusion The SCR-IV technique corrects moderate and severe degrees of congenital ventral penile curvature, with little or no compromise in penile length, girth, or sensitivity.