Delayed Consultation and Treatment of Penile Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: A case of penile fracture referred three days after the injury is reported, highlighting the potential advantages of delayed rather than acute treatment, once the hematoma and swelling caused by trauma had decreased. Case presentation: A 31 year-old-man was diagnosed with fracture of the left corpus cavernosum that had occurred three days before. Due to the patient desire, surgical treatment was delayed and performed at day nine of penile fracture, with an incision limited to the penoscrotal angle. There was a rupture of the left corpus cavernosum and laceration of the corpus spongiosum of the urethra, which were repaired with an absorbable suture. The patient recovered erections without curvature of the penis, and with an almost invisible skin scar. Conclusion: There is an overwhelming consensus on the need for surgical treatment of penile fracture. Recently, it has been proposed that the repair could be made on a delayed rather than an emergency basis, once the hematoma and inflammation caused by trauma had reduced, and using a short incision, as close as possible to the point of penile fracture. The case here presented highlights the advantages of these options, coincidental with the delayed consultation by the patient.