Slightly modified technique of the original Essed plication procedure for congenital penile deviation

The Schroeder-Essed plication procedure is a standard technique for the correction of penile curvature. In a retrospective analysis we compared functional results and quality of life (LQ) of the original technique with inverted sutures as described by Schroeder-Essed and our slight modification consisting of horizontal incisions into the tunica albuginea.

Twenty-six patients with congenital penis deviation were treated for penile deviation by the original Schroeder-Essed plication with inverted sutures (11 patients) and by the described modification (15 patients). In case of modified technique, horizontal and parallel incisions 4 mm to 6 mm apart and about 8 mm - 10 mm long were made through the tunica albuginea. The outer edges of the incisions were then approximated with permanent inverted sutures (Gore-Tex 3-0). Mean age was 21.6 years in the first group and 23.2 years in the second group. Average follow-up was 28 months and 13 months, respectively. The preoperative penile deviation angle was > 25 degrees in all patients without difference between the 2 groups.

All patients in both groups reported an improvement in their quality of life and full ability to engage in sexual intercourse. Nine patients (88%) in the first group and 14 patients (93%) in the second group were satisfied with the cosmetic result. In contrast, 10 patients (91%) of the first and 13 patients (87%) of the second group complained of penile shorting. Recurrence of deviation was only noticed in 2 males in the first group (18%).

Our results indicate that this simple modification of the Schroeder-Essed plication offers good functional and cosmetic results. Most patients were satisfied with the penile angle correction results.