Treatment of patients referred with Peyronie's disease.

INTRODUCTION

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a benign penile disorder characterised by fibrotic plaques, leading to curvature and potential sexual dysfunction. It often coexists with diabetes, erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. In Denmark, patients are referred by general practitioners (GPs) to public or private hospitals under a treatment guarantee ensuring care within 30 days.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of PD patients referred by GPs to Aarhus University Hospital in 2019. Data were retrieved from the Central Denmark Region Business Intelligence Portal. Patient characteristics, plaque location, treatment strategies and surgical outcomes were analysed using REDCap and Excel.

RESULTS

Among 124 referred cases, 101 met the inclusion criteria. After evaluation by a urology specialist, 44 (43.5%) were referred for surgical treatment; 29 (28.7%) were managed surgically in the public sector. Bilateral plaques were more often treated conservatively. Only 14.8% were referred for private sector treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

GPs effectively triage PD cases for specialist care. Most patients were treated within the public sector despite capacity constraints. While the treatment guarantee may challenge healthcare sustainability, current referral patterns remain balanced.

FUNDING: None.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. The study received approval from the relevant local authorities.