Penile cancer: organ-sparing surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Penile cancer is a devastating disease, usually diagnosed late, that requires wide excisions, which causes alterations in self-esteem and body image, affecting sexual and urinary functions, which compromise quality of life. Recently, an increasing interest in penile-sparing surgeries (PSSs) has emerged, aiming to spare patients from these complications.

RECENT FINDINGS: Several options of PSS have been popularized for selected cases (Ta-1, Tis and some T2), such as wide local excision, circumcision, partial penectomy, total or partial glansectomies with or without glans-resurfacing procedures, as well as new glans reconstructions using spatulated urethral advances or free skin grafts. These options, in general, achieve good local control, with adequate functional results and satisfactory cosmetic appearance. The local recurrences, however, are slightly higher than amputations. Contemporary techniques such as laser or cryotherapy can be performed in selected cases.

SUMMARY: PSS must be indicated only for superficial penile cancer cases, such as Tis and Ta-1, and for selected invasive lesions (small distal pT2 tumors). Candidates for PSS should be adherent to follow-up requirements, allowing early detection of local recurrences. Prompt and effective salvage procedures are mandatory in these situations.