Surgery for Peyronie’s disease and Peyronie’s surgery success rates are two different things.
Surgery for Peyronie’s disease always involves inherent risks, and a critical aspect to be aware of is the potential for the condition to recur even after several years.
Despite that, surgery remains the most effective method for treating Peyronie’s disease and correcting penile curvature.
However, it is typically utilized in severe cases that have not responded to any non-surgical therapy and involve curvature persisting for more than 12 months.
Here is a table showing different surgery methods for Peyronie’s disease:
Peyronie’s Disease Surgery Side Effects
Surgery for Peyronie’s disease, while effective in addressing penile curvature, can have potential side effects.
The specific side effects may vary depending on the surgical technique used. Here are some potential side effects associated with Peyronie’s disease surgery:
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Changes in Penile Sensation: Surgery may lead to alterations in penile sensation, including numbness or increased sensitivity.
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Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence): While efforts are made to preserve erectile function, surgery may carry a risk of erectile dysfunction, especially in cases where nerves or blood vessels are affected.
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Penile Shortening: In some cases, there might be a perceived reduction in penile length following surgery.
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Scarring: Additional scarring may occur as a result of surgery, potentially affecting the appearance and texture of the penis.
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Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection, although this is relatively uncommon.
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Pain During Erections: Pain or discomfort during erections may persist, especially during the initial recovery period.
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Bleeding or Hematoma: Surgical procedures carry a risk of bleeding or the formation of a hematoma (collection of blood outside blood vessels).
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Changes in Penile Shape: While the goal of surgery is to correct curvature, there may be unexpected changes in penile shape post-surgery.
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Difficulty Urinating: Temporary difficulty in urination may occur due to postoperative swelling or other factors.
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Implant-related Issues (for penile prostheses): If a penile prosthesis is used, potential issues may include mechanical failure, displacement, or infection related to the implant.
Peyronie’s Surgery Success Rate
The success rate of Peyronie’s surgery varies based on factors such as the surgical technique employed, individual patient characteristics, and the severity of the curvature. In general, most studies report success rates ranging from 80-90%.
Factors influencing the success rate include:
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Severity of the Curvature: Patients with milder curvatures tend to have higher success rates.
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Presence of Erectile Dysfunction: Patients with erectile dysfunction may have a higher risk of recurrence after surgery.
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Patient’s Age: Older patients might face increased complications and a higher risk of recurrence.
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Surgeon’s Experience: Surgeons with more experience in Peyronie’s surgery often achieve better outcomes.
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Common surgical techniques for Peyronie’s disease include (look at the table at the top of this article):
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Plaque Incision and Grafting (PIG): The surgeon makes an incision in the plaque and grafts tissue over it to prevent plaque reforming.
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Shortening Procedures: Involves shortening the penis on the opposite side of the curvature by removing a section of the tunica albuginea.
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Plication Sutures: This technique places sutures in the tunica albuginea to straighten the penis.
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The success rate of Peyronie’s surgery is generally high, leading to significant improvement in symptoms for most patients.
However, surgery is not always a definitive cure for Peyronie’s disease, and there is a risk of recurrence, as mentioned earlier. Individual experiences and outcomes may vary.
Peyronie’s Disease Surgery Recovery Time
The recovery time for Peyronie’s disease surgery depends on the specific type of surgery performed and the unique healing process of each individual. In general, patients undergoing Peyronie’s surgery can anticipate experiencing the following:
Common Recovery Aspects:
- Pain and Swelling: Mild pain and swelling in the penis and scrotum are common after surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs can usually manage this discomfort.
- Bruising: Bruising is a typical post-surgery occurrence and may take several weeks to subside.
- Numbness: Some patients may experience temporary numbness or tingling in the penis and scrotum during the healing process.
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): ED is a common side effect of Peyronie’s surgery. However, improvements in erectile function are often observed over time.
- Sexual Activity: Patients generally need to wait 4-6 weeks before resuming sexual activity post-surgery.
Detailed Recovery Breakdown for Each Surgery Type:
Plication:
- The most common surgery for Peyronie’s disease.
- Involves shortening the tunica albuginea on the opposite side of the curvature.
- Typically an outpatient procedure with a quick recovery; most patients can resume normal activities within a week or two.
Grafting:
- Reserved for severe Peyronie’s cases, replacing the scarred tunica albuginea with a graft.
- Usually requires an overnight hospital stay.
- Longer recovery compared to plication; patients may need several weeks off from work, with full recovery taking several months.
Penile Prosthesis:
- Surgically implanted device used as a last resort for Peyronie’s patients unresponsive to other treatments.
- Typically allows for a quick recovery, and most patients can return home the same day.
It’s essential to note that these are general estimates, and the actual recovery time can vary for each patient based on factors such as the specific surgical approach, individual healing responses, and overall health.
What Is Peyronie’s Grafting Surgery
Peyronie’s Grafting Surgery Overview: Peyronie’s grafting surgery is a corrective procedure for the curvature of the penis caused by Peyronie’s disease. It entails replacing the scarred tunica albuginea with a graft of skin or other tissue, allowing the penis to straighten during an erection.
Ideal Candidates: This surgery is typically considered for men who have:
- Peyronie’s disease with a curvature of 60 degrees or more.
- Stable Peyronie’s disease for at least six months.
- Peyronie’s disease causing pain or erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Realistic expectations about surgical outcomes.
Risks Associated with the Surgery: The risks of Peyronie’s grafting surgery include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma (a large collection of blood under the skin)
- Edema (swelling)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of sensation in the penis
- Recurrence of Peyronie’s disease
Recovery Time:
- The recovery time typically spans several weeks.
- Patients may need time off from work and should avoid strenuous activities.
- Sexual activity is usually restricted for several weeks post-surgery.
Long-Term Results: The long-term results are generally positive, with many patients achieving a straighter penis and improved erectile function. However, there is a risk of Peyronie’s disease recurrence, and some may experience ED after surgery.
Preparation for Surgery: Before surgery, patients are required to:
- Stop smoking
- Cease taking blood thinners
- Undergo a physical exam
- Have a psychological evaluation
- Discuss risks and benefits with their surgeon
Post-Surgery Expectations:
- Patients typically stay in the hospital overnight.
- Pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection.
- Wearing a compression garment helps reduce swelling.
- Several weeks off from work and strenuous activities are recommended.
- Sexual activity is advised against for several weeks post-surgery.
Alternatives to Grafting Surgery: Several alternatives include:
- Non-surgical treatments: Injections of medications, such as collagenase clostridium histolyticum, to break down plaque.
- Plication: Shortening the tunica albuginea on the opposite side of the curvature.
- Penile prosthesis: Surgically implanted device to assist with achieving and maintaining an erection.
What Is Peyronie’s Plication Surgery
Penile Plication Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease:
Penile plication surgery is a less invasive procedure compared to grafting and is typically considered for patients with a curvature of less than 60 degrees caused by Peyronie’s disease.
How is Peyronie’s Plication Surgery Performed?
- Procedure: Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision on the side of the penis opposite the curvature. They then shorten the tunica albuginea, the fibrous sheath covering the corpus cavernosum (erectile tissue), allowing the penis to straighten during an erection.
Risks of Peyronie’s Plication Surgery:
The risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hematoma (a large collection of blood under the skin)
- Edema (swelling)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of sensation in the penis
- Recurrence of Peyronie’s disease
Recovery Time:
- Short-Term: Recovery is generally shorter than grafting surgery. Most patients can return home the same day.
- Return to Work: Patients may need several days off from work and should avoid strenuous activity for several weeks.
- Sexual Activity: Avoidance is recommended for several weeks after surgery.
Long-Term Results:
- Success Rate: Generally good, with many patients achieving a straighter penis and improved erectile function.
- Risk: There is a risk of Peyronie’s disease recurrence, and some patients may experience ED after surgery.
Preparation for Surgery:
Before surgery, patients need to:
- Stop smoking
- Discontinue blood thinners
- Undergo a physical exam
- Have a psychological evaluation
- Discuss risks and benefits with their surgeon
Post-Surgery Expectations:
- Compression Garment: Patients may need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling.
- Medication: Pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection.
- Return Home: Most patients can return home the same day.
- Recovery Period: Several days off from work and avoiding strenuous activity for several weeks are advised.
- Sexual Activity: Avoidance for several weeks after surgery.
Long-Term Expectations:
- Generally good, with patients achieving a straighter penis and improved erectile function.
- Risk of Peyronie’s disease recurrence and potential ED after surgery.