The Egydio Technique or penile graft techniques use different surgical principles in the treatment of Peyronie’s disease. The choice depends on the deformity, erectile function, penile anatomy and each patient’s characteristics.

When a man with Peyronie’s disease is recommended for surgery, it is important that he understands how the procedure is performed, what the objectives are and what results can be expected in his case.

Surgery can offer significant benefits, but it can also have risks and limitations, depending on the surgical technique used, since each choice acts differently on penile tissues.

The choice depends on different factors assessed by the urologist. Understanding the differences between techniques helps the man take a more informed role in the treatment decision.

What is the Egydio Technique or penile graft?

The Egydio Technique uses geometric principles to plan tissue expansion and penile reconstruction.

In the preoperative assessment, the surgeon analyzes the type of deformity, the characteristics of the fibrosis such as its extent and the presence of calcifications, and the penile vascularization.

From this information, the surgeon can define the planning of the incisions, including their number, size, location and orientation, according to the anatomy and characteristics of each patient’s deformity.

By allowing individualized planning, the Egydio Technique can be considered in complex cases. The indication, however, always depends on anatomy, erectile function and the characteristics of each patient.

What is Peyronie’s graft surgery (Egydio Technique or penile graft)?

The Peyronie’s graft surgery brings together different techniques that use incision or excision of the Peyronie’s plaque to allow reconstruction of the penis; these approaches are often referred to as Egydio Technique or penile graft.

During the procedure, the incision or excision is made in the area that is shorter and under greater tension. This creates a defect, which allows expansion of that area and contribute to correcting the curvature or other deformities.

The area is subsequently covered with a graft, which becomes part of the reconstruction of the tunica albuginea.

The material used for Peyronie grafts is generally biological, prepared for surgical use, such as bovine pericardium.

Egydio Technique or penile graft: what are the main differences?

Both techniques can be used in the surgical treatment of Peyronie’s disease.

However, the main difference between the Egydio Technique and graft techniques lies in the surgical principle used in penile reconstruction.

Criterion	Egydio Technique	Graft techniques
Surgical principle	The incisions are planned based on the geometry of the deformity.	The retracted area is opened and reconstructed with a graft.
Planning for Egydio Technique or penile graft	Individualized according to the type and extent of the deformity for the Egydio Technique or penile graft.	Varies according to the deformity, the technique and the graft used for the Egydio Technique or penile graft.
Objective for Egydio Technique or penile graft	Treat the deformity and, when clinically indicated, seek to improve penile configuration for the Egydio Technique or penile graft, taking anatomical limitations into account.	Treat the deformity and reconstruct the tunica albuginea in the operated area for the Egydio Technique or penile graft, according to the anatomy and the selected technique.
Use of graft for Egydio Technique or penile graft	Generally, the use of a graft is not necessary.	A fundamental part of the technique for Egydio Technique or penile graft, as it is used to cover and reconstruct the defect created during the procedure.
Erectile function in Egydio Technique or penile graft	It can be combined with a penile prosthesis when significant erectile dysfunction exists.	It is usually considered when erectile function is preserved.
Penile dimensions for Egydio Technique or penile graft	Optimize penile length and girth for the Egydio Technique or penile graft, creating better anatomical conditions for sizing and accommodating a penile prosthesis.	Seeks to restore the expansion area of the tunica albuginea and improve penile geometry through reconstruction with graft for the Egydio Technique or penile graft.
Expected outcome of Egydio Technique or penile graft	Individualized treatment of the deformity and, when there is an independent clinical indication, assessment of the possibility of placing a penile prosthesis.	Treatment of the deformity and reconstruction of the operated area using a graft, when clinically indicated.

It is important to emphasize: this does not mean that one option is necessarily better than the other.

In which cases can a graft technique, such as Egydio Technique or penile graft, be considered?

According to the recommendations of the European Association of Urology (EAU), penile curvature surgery with graft can be considered especially in men who:

• Have adequate erectile function;
• Have severe curvatures, significant shortening or complex deformities, such as hourglass deformity or hinge effect;
• Have Peyronie’s Disease in a stable phase;
• The deformity compromises sexual activity.

Can the Egydio Technique or penile graft be considered in all cases?

No surgical technique should be considered universal. The Egydio Technique or penile graft can be considered especially in men who:

• Have complex deformities, such as pronounced curvatures, hourglass deformity, hinge effect, indentations or penile shortening;
• Require individualized reconstruction planned according to the geometry of the deformity;
• Have Peyronie’s Disease in a stable phase;
• Deformity compromises sexual activity.
• Do not maintain adequate erectile function or there is associated erectile dysfunction;
• Have an indication for a penile prosthesis associated with reconstruction.

For this reason, choosing between the Egydio Technique or penile graft requires a specialized evaluation.

How does erectile function influence the choice between the Egydio Technique or penile graft?

The quality of erections is one of the main elements of the preoperative evaluation.

The physician should assess rigidity, the ability to penetrate, the existence of prior erectile dysfunction and the response to treatments already performed.

When erections are preserved, different reconstructive techniques, including the Egydio Technique or penile graft, may be considered.

In men with associated erectile dysfunction, especially when there is no adequate response to pharmacological treatment, treating only the curvature does not resolve the rigidity.

In these cases, placement of a penile prosthesis may be considered, in accordance with the evaluation of erectile function, anatomy and the patient’s goals. The reconstructive technique to be used should be selected by the urologist based on the clinical characteristics of the case.

Can surgery recover the lost length with the Egydio Technique or penile graft?

Peyronie’s disease can cause shortening because fibrosis limits expansion of the tunica and alters the anatomy of the penis during erection.

Correcting the curvature, however, does not necessarily mean recovering the previously existing length.

Some techniques seek to reduce the impact of shortening or promote tissue expansion, including the Egydio Technique or penile graft, but there are anatomical limitations. Therefore, it is important to set realistic expectations before surgery.

Recovery of penile elasticity after Peyronie’s surgery also depends on healing and the prescribed rehabilitation program.

What are the risks and limitations of the Egydio Technique or penile graft?

Any surgery involves potential risks and the Egydio Technique or penile graft techniques may present limitations, such as:

• Persistence or recurrence of the curvature;
• Changes in sensation;
• Changes in erectile function;
• Changes in penile length or girth;
• Retraction or healing problems of the grafted tissue, when a graft is used;
• Mechanical failure, infection or need for revision when a penile prosthesis is implanted;
• Need for rehabilitation or additional procedures.

How is the decision made between the Egydio Technique or penile graft?

A specialized medical evaluation is required to analyze the deformity, whether the condition is in the active phase or stable and its impacts on the man’s sexual life. The physician should also consider treatments already performed and the patient’s expectations.

From this evaluation, the urologist can discuss the available options between the Egydio Technique or penile graft techniques, explaining their respective objectives, risks, limitations and possible suitability for the clinical case.

Recovery after surgery for the Egydio Technique or penile graft

The postoperative period includes healing, medical follow-up and a gradual return to activities. Depending on the technique and individual progress, a specific rehabilitation program may be recommended.

It is important to follow the medical team’s instructions to promote tissue recovery.

Recovery time varies according to the procedure and each patient’s progress. Return to sexual activity should occur only after evaluation and authorization by the medical team.

Specialized evaluation of Peyronie’s disease for consideration of the Egydio Technique or penile graft

In the presence of symptoms of Peyronie’s disease, such as penile deformities, pain or difficulty with erections, men should seek medical evaluation.

A medical evaluation can help clarify the course of the disease and the available treatment options, individualized and in accordance with the clinical presentation.

When reconstructive surgery is considered, knowing how the Egydio Technique or penile graft procedures work, what their objectives, benefits, limitations and risks are, helps the man participate more consciously in decisions about his sexual health.