Congenital penile curvature: update and management

Abstract

Congenital penile curvature results from disproportionate development of the tunica albuginea of the corporal bodies and is not associated with urethral malformation. Patients usually present after reaching puberty as the curvature becomes more apparent with erections, and severe curvature can make intercourse difficult or impossible, at which point surgical repair is recommended. Excellent outcomes can be expected with surgical intervention. The three most commonly used repair techniques are the original Nesbit procedure, modified Nesbit procedure, and plication. Nesbit and modified Nesbit techniques require that an incision is made in the tunica albuginea while plication techniques utilize plicating sutures without an incision. While Nesbit and modified Nesbit techniques are more complex operations, these generally result in less recurrences and more satisfactory outcomes as opposed to the quicker and simpler plication technique.