Diphallia: literature review and proposed surgical classification system

Abstract

BackgroundDiphallia occurs once in 5–6 million births, with no two patients presenting with the same anatomical variation. Here we discuss a review of diphallia case reports, as well as present a new surgical classification system based on the soft tissue composition of the two phalluses, the anatomy of the urethra present within the most normal phallus and the bladder configuration.MethodsEighty‐seven diphallia case reports were collected and analysed, excluding those presented in animals and articles that were non‐English, with the results compiled to provide an in‐depth reference of the specific anatomy found in diphallia patients and the associated abnormalities.ResultsOur proposed classification system was then applied to each patient and the most common configuration base on our classification system presented, along with commonly seen associated anomalies.ConclusionThe reviewed cases represent a subset of the most unique diphallia patients; thus, several cases may be left unreported. Future reports can then be categorized, aiding as a reference, and potentially building on the classification, should the patient not fit into a specific group, leading to an expansion of the classification system.