Critical analysis of surgery for Peyronie's disease

This review focuses on the surgical management of Peyronie's disease in the light of recent published reports from 2003 and 2004.

Although there have been a number of non-surgical innovations in this field, the surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease still remains the only alternative for patients not responding to other therapies. Various surgical modalities have recently been promulgated, however the ideal surgical procedure is still not perfected, particularly in cases of severe and complex penile curvature. The recent results of various surgical approaches have engendered concern about their long term benefits.

The initial management of the acute presentation of Peyronie's disease is conservative and non-surgical. Surgery for Peyronie's disease is contemplated only after stabilization of the fibrotic process, and is generally reserved for men with severe penile deformities that impede satisfactory sexual intercourse. If there is ample penile length and the deformity is mild to moderate in severity, a variety of plication techniques may be considered to provide a straight and functional penis. In patients with larger plaques, severe curvature, complete or hourglass deformities, then incision or excision of the plaque and the placement of a graft are recommended. Most authorities currently favor non-synthetic graft materials whose properties resemble the anatomy and functionality of the tunica albuginea. The implantation of a penile prosthesis, with or without excision/incision of the diseased tunica albuginea, is reserved for patients with erectile dysfunction who have not responded to medical therapies. Manual modeling of the deformed penis over a penile prosthesis may prevent some patients from needing more complex surgical grafting procedures.