[Glans-preserving surgery for superficial penile cancer]

To investigate the safety and feasibility of glans-preserving surgery in the treatment of superficial penile cancer (SPCa).

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 21 cases of SPCa treated by glans-preserving surgery in our hospital from January of 2003 to March of 2010.

The study included 21 SPCa patients aged 36 to 57 (mean 46) years, with superficial lesions involving the glans penis, coronary sulcus or shaft skin. The tumors were staged and graded TaG1 in 6 cases, TaG2 in 5, TisG1 in 2, TisG2 in 4, T1G1 in 3, and T1G2 in 1. All the patients underwent glans-preserving surgery to preserve the normal appearance and functional integrity of the glans penis, and all returned to normal sexual activity 1 month after operation, with good sexual function and sexual satisfaction. Postoperative follow-up lasted 2 to 7 (mean 5) years, and 2 cases of recurrence in situ found at 6 and 9 months, respectively, which were successfully managed by a second glans-preserving surgery.

Glans-preserving surgery is an effective method for superficial penile cancer. With proper selection of the patients, this procedure is technically safe, maximally preserves the penile appearance, and least affects the patients' sexual satisfaction.