Purpose: The Schroeder-Essed plication procedure is a standard technique for the correction of penile curvature. In a retrospective analysis we compared functional results and quality of life of the original technique with inverted sutures as described by Schroeder-Essed and our slight modification consisting of horizontal incisions into the tunica albuginea.
Materials and methods: A total of 26 patients with congenital penile deviation were treated, 11 by the original Schroeder-Essed plication with inverted sutures and 15 using the described modification. In the modified technique, horizontal and parallel incisions 4 mm - 6 mm apart and about 8 mm - 10 mm long were made through the tunica albuginea. The outer edges of the incisions were then approximated with permanent inverted sutures (Gore-Tex(R) 3-0). Mean age was 21.6 years in the first group and 23.2 years in the second group. The preoperative penile deviation angle was > 25 degrees in all patients without differention between the two groups.
Results: All patients in both groups reported improvement in their quality of life and full ability to engage in sexual intercourse. A total of 9 patients (88 %) in the first group and 14 patients (93 %) in the second group were satisfied with the cosmetic result, although 10 patients (91 %) in the first and 13 patients (87 %) in the second group complained of penile shortening. Recurrence of deviation was only observed in 2-males in the first group (18 %).
Conclusions: Our results indicate that this simple modification of the Schroeder-Essed plication offers good functional and cosmetic results. Most patients were satisfied with the penile angle correction results.