Evaluation and management of gunshot wounds of the penis: 20-year experience at an urban trauma center

Abstract

Background: Although gunshot injuries to the penis occur relatively infrequently in patients with penetrating trauma, they often present dilemmas of subsequent evaluation and management. We review our extensive experience with gunshot wounds to the penis at a high volume urban trauma center.

Methods: The urologic trauma database was retrospectively reviewed to extract and compile information from the records of 63 patients treated for gunshot wounds to the penis. Data were accumulated for a 20-year period from 1985 to 2004 with regard to findings on physical examination, diagnostic evaluation, associated injuries, management, and outcome. We detail our technique of penile exploration and artificial erection in the management of these injuries.

Results: Penile gunshot wounds were associated with additional injuries in 53 of 63 (84%) patients. A total of 48 (76%) patients were taken to the operating room and 44 (70%) penile explorations were performed. Evaluation included retrograde urethrogram in 50 of 63 (79%) patients and was diagnostic for urethral injury in 11 of 12 (92%) cases. Primary urethral repair was performed in 8 of 12 (67%) patients with urethral injury versus 4 of 12 (33%) who underwent urinary diversion by means of suprapubic cystotomy.

Conclusions: Evaluation and management of gunshot wounds to the penis may potentially be complex. Retrograde urethrogram should be performed in all cases except the most insignificant and superficial wounds. We describe our technique of penile exploration and artificial erection, noting excellent results in patients for whom follow-up is available. Additional studies are needed to prospectively evaluate techniques for management of gunshot urethral injuries.