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Can an External Penis Stretcher Reduce Peyronie’s
Penile Curvature ?
Scientific
studies published in the International Journal of Impotence
Research (volume 13, sup. 4, Oct-2001) and presented at
the 4th annual European Society for Sexual and Impotence
Research Conference (Rome, Oct. 2001)
Scroppo
FI., Mancini M., Maggi M.*, Colpi GM.
Andrology Service, Ospedale San Paolo – Polo Universitario,
Milano (Italy)
* Andrology Unit, Dip. Fisiopat.
Clin., Università di Firenze, Firenze (Italy)
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Introduction
& Objectives:
Peyronie’s fibrotic lesions frequently affect the dorsal
tunica albuginea and the septum of the penis. Subsequently
they can lead to plaque development, penile deformity and
pain during erection. Duplex sonographic scanning may allow
an objective evaluation of the fibrosis, assessing the thickening
of the tunica albuginea and penile plaques. The aim of this
study is to investigate the efficacy of mechanical penile
stretching (PS) to reduce plaque thickness and penile deformity
during erection.
Materials
& Methods:
Eight patients (age 58.5±5.3 yrs.) affected by Peyronie’s
disease, apparently unmodified at least for the latest 3 months
and causing penile curvature during erection (PEC), were trained
to use a mechanical penis stretcher. None of them complained
about erectile dysfunction according to IIEF test, and penile
pain.
After intracavernous injection of PgE1 5-15 mg to obtain full
erection (assessed by both Digital Inflection Rigidometry
and palpation), cross scanning of tunica albuginea by duplex
sonography, photographs of the erect penis according to Kelami’s
projections, and penile diameters and length measurements
were performed before and after daily home PS application
(at least four hours / day) for 3 to 6 months.
Individual follow-up examinations were scheduled after 3 and
6 months. At the present time, all patients have concluded
the 3-month follow-up, and two of them the 6-month one.
Results:
The tunica highest thickness resulted 1.8±0.6 mm before
and 1.6±0.3 mm after PS (n.s.). The septum latero-lateral
maximum thickness was 2.2±0.7 mm before and 1.8±0.8
mm after PS (n.s.). Penile length, dorsally measured from
penopubic angle to meatus, was 100.5±27.3 mm before
and 104.6±22.2 mm after PS (n.s.). Photographs showed
that PEC decreased from 34.1±4.9° before to 20.0±12.2°
after PS (p<0.05). The treatment was well tolerated (no
severe complication and no drop out occurred).
Conclusions: These results suggest a
promising use of PS in selected Peyronie’s patients affected
by penile curvature without erectile dysfunction.
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