Loss of the penile glans and/or corpora following primary repair of bladder exstrophy using the complete penile disassembly technique.

PURPOSE: The technique of penile disassembly is increasingly being used for the surgical repair of classical bladder exstrophy. We describe the complications and discuss the possible etiologies of genital injuries we have seen following this operation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the records of patients evaluated for management of genital complications following complete repair of bladder exstrophy from 1996 to 2003 was performed.

RESULTS: Nine patients were evaluated for genital injuries following complete repair of bladder exstrophy using the penile disassembly technique. Injuries included the loss of 1 hemiglans and penile urethra in 2 cases; loss of 1 hemiglans and distal corpora in 2; loss of bilateral glans, distal corpora and penile urethra in 2; loss of 1 hemiglans, 1 corporal body, urethral plate and penile shaft skin in 1; loss of 1 hemiglans, distal corporal body and a portion of the urethra in 1; and loss of 1 hemiglans in 1. The exact etiology of these complications is unknown, and possibilities include, a technical mishap, induction of venous congestion/arterial spasm or disruption of a congenitally abnormal blood supply.

CONCLUSIONS: The finding that primary repair of bladder exstrophy using the penile disassembly technique is associated with the risk of partial or complete penile loss dampens our enthusiasm for this procedure. The association of genital injuries with penile disassembly has resulted in a modification of this surgical technique that would hopefully lessen its risk.