Penile torsion repair in children following a ladder step: simpler steps are usually sufficient

Objective: To evaluate the correction of different degrees of penile torsion following a ladder step so that simpler steps are used whenever possible. This can avoid the morbidity and complications of complex procedures.

Patients and methods: Cases of congenital and acquired penile torsion were repaired on a ladder step basis irrespective of the degree of torsion, starting with degloving and skin realignment, then a dorsal dartos flap and finally corporopexy. The torsion is checked with artificial erection after each step, and if corrected completely then the next step(s) is omitted.

Results: Twenty-five cases of penile torsion (30-180°) were repaired over a 4-year period. Three cases were corrected by degloving only, 12 by degloving and skin realignment, five by a dartos flap and four required a corporopexy. Postoperative complications included five cases of penile edema, one case of hematoma and one case of dorsal skin gangrene. Residual torsion of <15° occurred in three cases. No cases required redo surgery.

Conclusion: A ladder step approach is a good option for penile torsion repair, starting with simpler techniques until complete correction is achieved. There is no need to plan a complex procedure in advance.