Torsion of the penis in adults: prevalence and surgical correction.
BACKGROUND
Torsion of the penis is a condition where the penis rotates around its longitudinal axis, whether congenital or acquired. Extreme degrees may provoke a cosmetic complaint.


OBJECTIVE
We describe surgical correction of congenital torsion of the penis in adults, and its prevalence among a special patient group.


METHODS
Success and ease of surgical repair.


METHODS
Sixteen cases with congenital torsion were operated upon, by counter-rotation, using a dartos flap in eight cases, and skin realignment in the other eight. The prevalence of congenital torsion was examined in 12,307 patients attending two andrology clinics.


RESULTS
Full correction was achieved in all cases. Skin realignment was easier and faster than dartos flap, and was equally effective. Congenital torsion was present in 11.993% of the epidemiologic study group, mild in 80%, moderate in 15%, and severe in 5%. Only 2.2% was bothered by the condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Torsion of the penis is not uncommon but rarely provokes a complaint. Surgical repair by degloving and skin realignment is effective and easy. Dartos flap technique may be utilized if the former is inadequate.
Shaeer
Osama
O
Department of Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. dr-osama@link.net
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004534:Egypt / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010409:Penile Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D010413:Penis / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014102:Torsion Abnormality / Q000151:congenital / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome