[Avulsion of the penile skin: a conservative approach]

Urologia. 2010 Jan-Mar:77 Suppl 16:21-4.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Introduction: Skin avulsion of male genital is a rare urological emergency. Although not life-threatening such lesions are both physically and psychologically traumatic. If poorly managed in the acute setting, these injuries may result in long-term problems or permanent disabilities.

Methods: A 58 year-old male patient was admitted to the Emergency Department of our hospital with a traumatic injury of the penis, caused by a bike trauma. At the inspection, a rather complete degloving of penis and a tear in scrotal skin with no involvement of testes were observed. The skin was completely detached, out of the penis, but for a small flap at the peno-scrotal angle. After a careful cleaning, the penis was covered again with the skin attached to peno-scrotal angle through multiple circumferential sutures.

Results: A complete cover of the defects was obtained with one-step surgery. The patient was treated with broad spectrum of antibiotics for 1 month. No infections occurred. The patient was discharged from hospital after 5 days. After 3 months from trauma, the patient is able to achieve sexual intercourse, with normal erectile function, no painful erections and no penile recurvatum.

Conclusions: Traumatic skin avulsion of penis is a rare condition; the best aesthetic and functional results depends on the choice of the proper treatment. Conservative approach in selected cases can provide good results both aesthetically and functionally.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antibiotic Prophylaxis
  • Bicycling / injuries*
  • Emergencies
  • Humans
  • Lacerations / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penis / injuries*
  • Penis / surgery
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Scrotum / injuries
  • Scrotum / surgery
  • Suture Techniques