Penile corporoplasty using tunica albuginea free graft from proximal corpus cavernosum: a new technique for treatment of penile curvature in Peyronie's disease.

OBJECTIVES In Peyronie's disease, any kind of plication technique for correcting penile deformities is associated with penile shortening in addition to the disease-related shrinkage. To minimize penile shortening we describe a new technique of penile corporoplasty using a free graft from the tunica albuginea. PATIENTS AND METHODS From October 2001 to February 2003 we treated 18 patients with the new technique. All patients had stable Peyronie's disease with relevant curvature and sufficient erectile rigidity without any signs of inflammatory disease. Penile corporoplasty was performed by incision of the plaques to produce straightening. The resulting gap was covered with a free graft of tunica albuginea removed from the crural segment of the corpora cavernosa. RESULTS In a preliminary follow-up of 16 patients, 12 penises were straight and 4 had a residual curvature less than 20 degrees. Two patients needed sildenafil for sufficient penile rigidity. Fourteen of 16 patients were satisfactory with the result of penile straightening. No severe perioperative complication was noted. CONCLUSION The technique of penile straightening using a free tunica albuginea graft is effective and avoids additional shortening of the penis. As the results are preliminary, the study is continued to gain experience with a larger number of patients.