Ventral Plication for Repair of Pediatric Dorsal Penile Curvature

Objectives: To present the results of ventral plication for the repair of dorsal curvature. Methods: A total of 33 patients (mean age 38 months, range 7 months to 15 years) with a dorsal curvature of >30° degrees underwent ventral plication. A subcoronal incision was performed, followed by degloving of the skin to the penile base. The point of maximal curvature was noted and marked during an erection test. Two polypropylene 5-0 plication sutures were placed in the tunica albuginea of both corporeal bodies, just lateral and adjacent to the corpus spongiosum. Proper alignment and a straight penis were confirmed with a repeat erection test. The skin incision was closed with absorbable sutures. Surgical success was determined by parental and physician satisfaction with the final outcome during follow-up. Results: No immediate or late complications (mean follow-up 25 months, range 3-65) developed. A straight penis was achieved in 28 of 33 patients (85%). Four patients with residual curvature did not require a second procedure, and the fifth patient successfully underwent reoperation using the same technique. Conclusions: The results of our study have shown that ventral plication is a simple and efficient technique for the repair of dorsal penile curvature.