Dorsal dartos flap rotation versus suturing tunica albuginea to the pubic periosteum for correction of penile torsion: a prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of dorsal dartos flap rotation versus suturing tunica albuginea to the pubic periosteum for correction of congenital penile torsion.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Seventeen patients with congenital penile torsion were evaluated and managed from 2006 to 2010. On a random basis, 9 patients underwent surgical repair using a dorsal dartos flap rotation technique (group 1), and 8 patients by suturing tunica albuginea to the pubic periosteum (group 2). All were followed up every 6 months.

RESULTS

The mean age in group 1 was 52.3 ± 24.8 months, while in group 2 it was 53.4 ± 33.6 months. Mean follow up was 22.3 ± 10.2 and 21.5 ± 7.2 months in group 1 and group 2 respectively. Torsion was corrected in 6 (66.7%) patients of group 1; 3 (33.3%) had residual torsion < 10°. In group 2, correction was achieved in 6 (75.0%) patients and 2 (25.0%) had residual torsion < 10°. The mean operative time was significantly less for group 1 than for group 2: 45.3 ± 7.1 and 74.5 ± 5.3 min, respectively (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In short-term prepubertal follow up, both dorsal dartos flap rotation and suturing tunica albuginea to the pubic periosteum are effective for correction of congenital penile torsion. The former technique is easier to perform as it requires much less dissection.