Penile curvature surgery aims to correct penile curvature and seek a functional alignment of the organ. In selected cases, the management of associated erectile dysfunction may also be considered when clinically indicated.

Penile curvature surgery may be considered in men with congenital or acquired penile deformity, especially when it has relevant functional, sexual, or emotional impact.

Before any therapeutic decision is made, it is essential to carry out an appropriate medical evaluation. It is natural for doubts or concerns to arise regarding a surgical procedure, which is why individualized medical guidance is part of the decision-making process.

When properly indicated and performed in an appropriate clinical setting, penile curvature surgery may present an acceptable safety profile. The post-operative period varies from case to case, so it is important to clarify in advance the necessary care, temporary limitations, and possible risks and complications.

Indications for penile curvature surgery

It is important to emphasize that not all penile curvatures require surgical treatment.

When the curvature does not interfere with sexual function or cause relevant discomfort, clinical follow-up may be sufficient to monitor the condition over time.

On the other hand, when a curved penis causes pain, embarrassment, or difficulties in sexual life, surgical intervention may be necessary.

In these cases, surgical correction may be considered in the context of progressive worsening of the curvature, pain, functional limitation, or difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection, after appropriate clinical evaluation.

Initial tests and planning for penile curvature surgery

The first step in planning penile curvature surgery is a detailed evaluation of the clinical situation through a series of tests, namely:

• Medical history: collection of information about overall health status, medication use, family history, and the presence of chronic diseases, with the aim of guiding diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making;
• Penile inspection and palpation: allow identification of fibrosis or plaques through physical examination, with the penis in a flaccid state;
• Drug-induced erection: administration of medication to induce an erection, making it possible to assess curvature, length, girth, and penile rigidity;
• Rigidity test: assesses whether the penis achieves sufficient rigidity for penetration, helping detect signs of erectile dysfunction;
• Penile Doppler ultrasound: analyzes penile anatomy and blood circulation, identifying possible vascular causes of erectile dysfunction and confirming the presence and characteristics of fibrosis.

During this stage, it is essential that the patient understands the possible functional, aesthetic, and psychological impact of surgery, as well as its limits, risks, and realistic expectations.

The correction of penile curvature aims to improve penile alignment and, when possible, reduce functional limitations and discomfort associated with the condition.

In addition, whenever clinically possible, the surgeon seeks to preserve penile length and girth within anatomical and functional limits. It is important to clarify, however, that the purpose of the surgery is not to enlarge penile dimensions.

In some cases, the procedure may have a positive impact on well-being and sexual life, although these results vary according to the clinical situation and individual response.

Pre-op for penile curvature surgery

When, after clinical evaluation, there is a surgical indication, pre-operative planning is carried out and penile curvature surgery may then be scheduled according to the characteristics of the case.

As with any surgical procedure, pre-operative tests may be requested to assess general health and reduce perioperative risk. Guidance is also usually provided regarding fasting before surgery, according to the applicable clinical and anesthetic protocol.

Guidance may also be given regarding hygiene of the surgical area and, when clinically indicated, the use of medication in the perioperative setting, especially in patients with increased risk factors such as diabetes.

On the day before surgery, it is also advisable to ensure a good night’s sleep, as this may contribute to better post-operative recovery.

What happens on the day of penile curvature surgery

Penile curvature surgery has a variable duration, often lasting between 2 and 3 hours depending on the complexity of the case. The procedure may be performed with sedation and local anesthesia, according to clinical and anesthetic evaluation.

When necessary, preparation of the surgical area is carried out in the operating room, according to the asepsis protocols adopted by the team.

At the beginning of the surgery, the urologist performs a subcoronal incision, that is, a small surgical cut made immediately below the glans, which allows exposure of the penile tissues and access to the internal structures needed for curvature correction.

Depending on the anatomical and functional characteristics of each patient, the association of reconstructive techniques may be indicated. Among the approaches described for selected cases is the Egydio Technique, applied in the context of penile tissue reconstruction.

The Egydio Technique allows the surgeon to act on the shorter side of the penis with the aim of correcting the deformity and, when anatomically possible, preserving or recovering alignment, length, and girth within the limits imposed by the neurovascular structures. In selected situations, it may also be part of reconstructive planning associated with penile implant placement.

If curvature correction is not considered sufficient with this technique alone, the complementary use of plication on the longer side may be considered during the same surgical procedure, according to intraoperative evaluation and the functional goals of the case.

Is it true that the penis stays erect during the procedure?

Yes. During penile curvature surgery, it may be necessary to induce an artificial and controlled erection using techniques and medications used in the operating room, allowing proper assessment of the deformity.

The intraoperative erection allows the surgeon to better observe penile deformity and guide the technical decision regarding the location and extent of the necessary surgical maneuvers.

In addition, intraoperative erection allows immediate assessment of the response to the correction performed and whether complementary maneuvers are needed before concluding the procedure.

After this stage, the induced erection is reversed and the surgery continues according to the defined operative plan, including, when indicated, preparation for possible penile implant placement.

Recovery after penile curvature surgery

The patient returns to the doctor a few hours after penile curvature surgery. During this visit, the professional evaluates the initial outcome of the procedure and provides essential guidance for proper healing.

After surgery, the patient keeps the dressing on the penis for the first 5 days without removing it. After that period, the dressing should be changed daily at home for another 5 days.

In the first days of the post-operative period, doctors often prescribe medication to inhibit erections in order to avoid hematomas, protect the sutures, and support recovery.

In some cases, penile rehabilitation measures may be recommended during recovery to support healing and functional evolution.

The patient resumes usual activities gradually, according to the body’s response, and the process may be divided into three phases:

• Between 7 and 10 days: it is possible to return to work, provided that it does not involve physical effort;
• After 30 days: physical activities may be resumed;
• Between 45 and 60 days: sexual activity may be resumed.

Doctors may use absorbable surgical stitches, which are naturally reabsorbed by the body over time.

Continuous follow-up is essential

Throughout the entire process, the surgeon follows the patient continuously, from diagnosis to the recovery phase, both in person and remotely.

Follow-up is important so that the patient feels supported in decision-making and throughout recovery.

Doctors may consider surgical correction of penile curvature when the condition compromises sexual function or the patient’s well-being.

To find out whether this procedure is appropriate for your case, contact our clinic and schedule an individualized evaluation.