UROLOGY · CONDITIONS

Penile Fracture

Q: Is surgery the only treatment for penile fracture?

Yes , immediate surgical repair is the only evidence-based treatment. Conservative management leads to permanent deformity and erectile dysfunction in up to 50% of cases. Prompt surgery achieves full recovery in over 90% of men.

Q: Will I have normal erections after surgery?

Yes , in the vast majority of men treated immediately, erectile function is fully preserved. Studies consistently show >90% achieve normal erections and sexual function at long-term follow-up.

Q: Can penile fracture be mistaken for another injury?

The history (audible pop, sudden loss of erection, eggplant deformity) is usually unmistakable. When clinical doubt exists, MRI identifies the tunica tear precisely. In practice, surgical exploration is always safer than watchful waiting.

Rupture of the tunica albuginea during sexual activity , a urological emergency. Immediate surgery prevents permanent curvature and erectile dysfunction.

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Emergency SURGERY REQUIRED

Within 24 hrs BEST OUTCOME

Function FULLY PRESERVED

ABOUT THIS CONDITION

What is Penile Fracture?

Penile fracture is a rupture of the tunica albuginea , the fibrous outer covering of the erectile tissue , caused by blunt trauma to an erect penis, typically during vigorous intercourse. The classical presentation is an audible pop, sudden loss of erection, penile bruising, swelling (eggplant deformity), and severe pain. Dr. Vipin treats penile fracture as a surgical emergency , immediate repair of the tunica rupture gives the best outcomes and prevents the chronic sequelae of delayed treatment: Peyronie's-like deformity, persistent curvature, and erectile dysfunction.

SIGNS TO WATCH

Common Symptoms

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Symptoms that need attention

Audible cracking or popping sound during intercourse Rapidly developing penile bruising and swelling Severe penile pain Sudden loss of erection immediately after Deviation of the penis away from the side of injury Blood in urine if urethra is co-injured (10–20% of cases)

WHY IT HAPPENS

Causes & Risk Factors

Vigorous intercourse , most common mechanism
Woman-on-top position , highest risk position
Forced intercourse or masturbation
Rolling over onto an erect penis during sleep
Bending of erect penis against perineum or thigh
Previous Peyronie's disease , weakened tunica

CLINICAL DETAILS

KeyFacts

CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is clinical , history and examination are sufficient. No imaging required before surgery.

EMERGENCY

Immediate surgical repair gives the best outcomes. Conservative management is not recommended.

URETHRAL INJURY

Urethrography performed intraoperatively , urethral repair done simultaneously in 10–20% of cases.

REPAIR

Circumferential degloving and direct tunica repair with absorbable sutures , full penile exposure.

RECOVERY

Discharged within 24–48 hours. Sexual abstinence for 4–6 weeks. Full erections resume thereafter.

OUTCOMES

Immediate repair , >90% recover full erectile function. Delayed repair , significantly worse outcomes,

HOW WE TREAT IT

Treatment Approach

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Emergency Surgical Exploration Primary Tunica Albuginea Repair

The penis is degloved through a circumferential incision, the tunica rupture is identified and repaired with interrupted absorbable sutures , the only recommended treatment for penile fracture.

Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad

1

Emergency Recognition

History of audible pop during intercourse, sudden loss of erection, and eggplant deformity is pathognomonic. Patient taken directly to theatre without delay.
2

Surgical Exploration

Circumferential degloving incision exposes the full penile shaft. The tunica albuginea tear is identified and repaired with 2–0 absorbable sutures.
3

Urethral Assessment

Urethroscopy or retrograde urethrogram rules out urethral injury. Urethral repair performed at the same operation if required.
4

Recovery

Urethral catheter left for 24 hours. Discharged within 48 hours. Sexual activity avoided for 6 weeks. Erectile function confirmed at 3-month follow-up.

AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Treatment Options

Emergency Surgical Exploration Primary Tunica Albuginea Repair

Immediate surgical repair of the tunica rupture , the only evidence-based treatment for penile fracture. Prevents curvature, plaque, and erectile dysfunction.

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked

Is surgery the only treatment for penile fracture?+

Will I have normal erections after surgery?+

Can penile fracture be mistaken for another injury?+

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