A Simplified Adult Acquired Buried Penis Repair Classification System With an Analysis of Perioperative Complications and Urethral Stricture Disease

Abstract

Objective: To propose a simple classification system for buried penis repairs and present an analysis of perioperative data based on category.

Methods: Patients undergoing buried penis repair at a single institution were examined. Classification was as follows: Category I-penile unburying with local flap; II-skin graft; III-scrotal surgery; IV-escutcheonectomy; V-abdominal panniculectomy. Complex repairs were Category III or above. Success was defined as an unburied penis without additional unburying surgery.

Results: Between 2007 and 2017, 64 patients underwent repair with 44 (69%) considered complex. Patients undergoing complex repairs had a higher body mass index (median 48 vs 36 kg/m², P < .01). A total of 30 patients (47%) had urethral strictures, with no association to buried penis complexity (P = .43). High-grade complications (Clavien ≥ 3) occurred in 10 patients (23%) in the high-complexity group with none in the low-complexity group (P = .02). Seven of 10 (70%) of high-grade complications were wound related. Successful unburying was seen in 58 patients (91%). All failures occurred in the high-complexity group. Median follow-up was 209 days.

Conclusion: Buried penis repairs are highly successful. We propose a classification based on surgical complexity. Patients requiring complex repairs have higher body mass index and increased risk of high-grade complications. While urethral strictures are found in nearly half of patients, there is no association with the severity of disease. Ongoing modifications of technique and perioperative care may improve outcomes.