Rupture of the superficial vein of penis: therapeutic options.

OBJECTIVE

To report an uncommon clinical case of spontaneous rupture of the superficial dorsal vein of penis.

METHOD: A 27-year-old male patient attended the emergency room following spontaneous occurrence of a large hematoma and deformity in the penis. Rupture of cavernous bodies was initially suspected.

RESULTS

Surgical examination revealed rupture of the superficial dorsal vein of penis, which was ligated. The patient was admitted to hospital for 24 hours, and showed total cosmetic and functional recovery at 2 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Rupture of the superficial dorsal vein of penis is an uncommon condition considered in differential diagnosis of penile hematoma. Doppler ultrasound of the penis may allow for its diagnosis and for excluding rupture of corpora cavernosa. Although conservative management appears to be of choice, surgical examination, providing good cosmetic and functional postoperative results, is indicated when a reasonable doubt exists about diagnosis.