Modern technique for penile torsion repair

Penile torsion is a congenital malformation that results in a rotational defect of the penile shaft. Various techniques have been described for correcting penile torsion, although there is no consensus on the best repair. We describe our experience using a dorsal dartos flap to correct penile torsion.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of all 25 patients who underwent repair of significant penile torsion using a dorsal dartos flap at our institution between 2004 and 2007. A total of 17 repairs were performed in association with chordee repair, 7 with hypospadias and 1 with bilateral inguinal hernias. Patient age at the time of repair ranged from 6 to 19 months (mean 9). Of the patients 15 had torsion of at least 90 degrees, 8 had torsion of 60 to 90 degrees and 2 had torsion that was not recorded in degrees.

Mean followup was 4 months (range 1.5 to 19). Of the cases 16 demonstrated complete resolution of penile torsion, 7 had residual torsion less than 10 degrees and 2 had documented improvement that was not reported in degrees. No patient has undergone further repair for torsion.

Penile torsion is a challenging congenital anomaly. The dorsal dartos flap is familiar to pediatric urologists and can be varied for use in repair of penile torsion. The procedure results in successful repair of the torsion, has few complications and can easily be performed concurrently in the setting of other operative repairs. This approach provides excellent short-term results.