Review of Cleveland Clinic Experience with Penile Fracture

Objectives: Fracture of the penis is an uncommon injury that results from trauma to the erect penis, usually during sexual intercourse. In some cases, the urethra is injured as well. To determine the outcome of immediate surgical management, we reviewed the cases of 8 patients with fracture of the penis who presented to the Cleveland Clinic from 1992 to 1998.

Methods: Trauma was encountered during intercourse in all our patients. A concomitant urethral injury was found in 3 cases (38%); 1 was a complete disruption, and the other 2 were partial injuries. Patients were treated with immediate surgical exploration and repair, with preoperative urethrography in patients suspected of having a urethral injury.

Results: All patients had a successful outcome, with preservation of sexual function and without significant penile curvature. Patients with urethral injuries reported normal voiding without the need for additional procedures.

Conclusions: Immediate surgical repair offers complete recovery for patients with penile fracture in most cases, even in the presence of urethral injury. We present our recommendations for treatment of this condition.