Penile Grafting for Benign Causes: An Analysis of Patient Outcomes

Introduction: Common conditions such as lichen sclerosis [1] and Peyronie's disease result in impairment of sexual function. This can be contributed to by lack of penile skin (lichen sclerosis) or involvement of the tunica albuginea (Peyronie's disease) [2]. New grafting techniques maintain penile length and function. Materials and methods: Over a three year period 11 cases undergoing penile reconstruction were reviewed, with a 36 month follow-up period. We examine underlying pathology, cosmesis outcomes including graft take and patient satisfaction, sexual function and complications. Results: Out of the 11 patients, 4 cases required grafting, 3 were full thickness skin grafts (shaft defect) with one split skin graft (glans defect). 100% of patients were cosmetically satisfied both grafted, and none grafted. 100% of grafts had good take, none were rejected. 25% of grafted patients and 28% of none grafted patients had erectile dysfunction (IIEF < 20) [3]. There was minimal loss of penile length. 100% were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. Complications included meatal stenosis in 50% of grafted patients. This is either due to surgery or re-existing disease. One patient required an additional procedure of scrotal debulking. There were no contractures. Discussion and conclusion: For cases of benign pathology, penile grafting does result in patient satisfaction with good overall cosmesis and erectile function. Good outcomes depend on having an experienced specialist surgeon and team who are able to handle complications when they arise.