[Peyronie's disease]

Abstract

Peyronie's disease is caused by collagen deposits in the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum following microtrauma. Symptoms may include a combination of penile curvature, a palpable plaque, painful erections and erectile dysfunction. Peyronie's disease can have a major impact on the quality of life. In the course of the disease two phases can be discerned. In the first, active phase there is penile curvature with painful erections. The second, stable phase is characterised by painless curvature of the penis. Treatment in the active phase is conservative and supportive. Surgical treatment is useful only in the stable phase and may consist of penile plication surgery or penile graft surgery.