Buried Penis Reconstruction in the Management of Localized Penile Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this article is to describe surgical techniques for the management of localized penile cancer concurrent with adult acquired buried penis. Penile cancer, while rare, invariably impacts quality of life as the primary surgical management ranges from local excision to total penectomy. Penile cancer has recently been linked to adult acquired buried penis (AABP) with the hypothesis that chronic inflammation of the penis contributes to risk of penile malignancy. Buried penis reconstruction is now a well-described procedure involving escutcheonectomy and split thickness skin grafting which has been shown to improve quality of life in individuals with adult acquired buried penis.

Technical considerations: This report describes a patient with AABP requiring partial penectomy and inguinal node dissection who also underwent adult acquired buried penis repair during his procedure. A review of cases of buried penis cases was carried out and four other cases of penile cancer were identified who were managed with penile preserving procedures.

Conclusions: This combination of surgical techniques strives to improve quality of life and facilitate cancer surveillance without compromising oncologic outcomes.