Penile shortening after radical prostatectomy and Peyronie's surgery.

Penile shortening following radical prostatectomy and straightening procedures for Peyronie's disease can be a devastating and unwelcome side effect of these operations. The majority of men undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer have a measured loss of penile length, which also can occur in men with Peyronie's disease and may be exacerbated by surgery. Recent studies have investigated the mechanisms resulting in penile shortening, and various treatments have emerged to prevent and treat postoperative penile shortening. This article reviews the recent literature on penile length loss after radical prostatectomy and following correction of penile deformity for Peyronie's disease.