Dermal graft correction of extraordinary chordee

Severe degrees of primary chordee and persistent or recurrent chordee following previous surgical attempts at correction present a challenging problem. Inadequate resection of involved tissues, which may involve all layers of the penile investiture, or recurrent scarring of the ventral skin, Buck's fascia and tunica albuginea is usually the cause. Reoperation to achieve penile straightening often is unsuccessful unless all chordee-bearing tissue is resected extensively. Excision of large segments of tunica albuginea or wide separation of the margins creates a defect that tends to heal by dense scarring unless the defect is bridged by a graft. Various autogenous materials have been used, including blood vessel, fascia, free fat graft, dermis and tunica albuginea, as well as prosthestic materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, with varying results. A series of patients with extensive chordee is presented in whom tunical resection was necessary to achieve penile straightening. The results of free dermal graft replacement of the tunica are reported.