Peyronie's disease surgery

Peyronie's disease

Peyronie's disease is a disorder which causes curvature of the penis. The curvature is caused by development of scar tissue or plaques in the soft tissue of the penis. The penis may be curved upward, down or on the side when it is erected. The penis can also be in a shape of hourglass when narrowing appears on the erected penis. These symptoms can be followed by pain during an erection. In some cases pain can only be felt during an orgasm. Other cases include pain when the penis is touched while it is not erected. A man can also have problems to achieve or keep an erection. Since these symptoms cause problems related to sex, including difficulties with penetration, a man who suffers from Peyronie's disease may be under a lot of stress as well.

Treatment

In case of the mild curvature which does not cause any pain, Peyronie's disease will not be treated at all. The doctor will not recommend treatment in case the patient has healthy sex life and the curvature of the penis is not getting worse. However, if there is pain or any problems with an erection, the doctor may suggest penile injections or surgery. These injections are administered in the affected tissue in the penis and they can reduce both the curvature and pain. Treatment with penile injections should last several months. Other forms of treatment, such as using vacuum devices or manual stretching techniques, are still in the experimental phase.

Surgery

Surgery is performed in the most severe cases of Peyronie's disease. However, if the disease is in progress and the pain is getting worse, surgery is not recommended. There are several surgical procedures which are performed to correct the curvature of the penis affected with Peyronie's disease. One of the surgical options involves shortening the side of the penis opposite of the affected tissue. This procedure is performed in men with mild curvature and adequate length of the penis because the penis will be shorter after the surgery. Other surgical procedure involves lengthening the affected side of the penis. In this surgery the affected tissue is replaced with a tissue harvested from the patient's body or with artificial material. This surgery is performed in case the penis of the patient is shorter than normal and the curvature is severe. Another surgery includes penile implants. These implants are recommended for the patients who have severe difficulties with achieving an erection.

Complications

Each surgical procedure for Peyronie's disease includes complications which involve difficulties with erection. More serious complications include impotence, lack of sensation in the penis and infection. Other complications include bleedings, damage to the urethra and side effects of general anesthesia.