title: The role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis and management of penile trauma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this prospective study, we studied the role of ultrasonography (US) in the diagnosis and management of penile trauma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 2007 and 2014, 14 patients (mean age 39 years) with suspected penile fracture underwent US examinations. Almost all patients had a history of injury during sexual intercourse or manipulation of the penis. US examinations were performed in transversal and longitudinal planes starting at the level of the glans and moving down to the base of the penis. Color-Doppler was used to identify the vascular pattern or to see any abnormal vascularity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most common blunt injury to the penis that occurred in nine patients was penile fracture due to rupture of the corpus cavernosum. A tear occurred in only one of the corpora cavernosa. US showed an irregular hypoechoic or hyperechoic defect at the cavernosal rupture site. Four patients presented an injury to the subtunical venous plexus in the absence of complete tunical disruption. One patient had urethral rupture with inability to urinate and apparent urethrorrhagia. Ten patients underwent surgical operation, while four patients were observed and discharged after 2 days. Mean follow-up was 32 months (range 3-58). After 8 to 12 weeks, all of them were able to be sexually active as before. Angulations of penis persisted in one patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  US may be the preferred imaging technique for evaluation of penile fracture before surgery. It is easy to perform, non-invasive, widely available, and inexpensive, although it requires an experienced team.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University Hospital "St. Anna", 8 Aldo Moro Street, 44124 Cona, Ferrara Italy.
authors.forename: Lucio
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dell'Atti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003075:Coitus; D019468:Disease Management; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Color-Doppler sonography; Imaging; Penile fracture; Penile trauma; Tunica albuginea; Ultrasonography