OBJECTIVES: Rupture of the corpora cavernosa, also known as fracture of the penis, is uncommon. To date, only 200 cases approximately have been reported. This lesion may be associated with rupture of the urethra in 25% of the cases. The diagnostic methods, management and the results achieved in these patients are discussed. METHODS: We describe two cases that had been treated at our institution and review the literature. RESULTS: Preservation of micturition and sexual function was achieved with early surgical management in these two patients with a follow-up of more than one year. CONCLUSIONS: An associated urethral lesion should be strongly suspected in the presence of urethrorrhagia. A negative urine sediment discards the presence of this lesion. If urethral injury associated with penile rupture is suspected, low pressure urethrography is the diagnostic method of choice following sonographic evaluation of the corpora cavernosa. Cavernosal integrity can only be established by cavernosography in equivocal cases and is not required when extravasation is demonstrated by urethrography. Conservative management carries a high risk of penile curvature and painful erection; therefore, whenever possible, surgery should be performed within a few hours following trauma and after careful evaluation. The cavernosal defect is repaired and end-to-end anastomosis of the urethra is performed. The patient should be informed of the risk of painful erection, penile curvature and urethral stenosis.
OBJECTIVES: Rupture of the corpora cavernosa, also known as fracture of the penis, is uncommon. To date, only 200 cases approximately have been reported. This lesion may be associated with rupture of the urethra in 25% of the cases. The diagnostic methods, management and the results achieved in these patients are discussed. METHODS: We describe two cases that had been treated at our institution and review the literature. RESULTS: Preservation of micturition and sexual function was achieved with early surgical management in these two patients with a follow-up of more than one year. CONCLUSIONS: An associated urethral lesion should be strongly suspected in the presence of urethrorrhagia. A negative urine sediment discards the presence of this lesion. If urethral injury associated with penile rupture is suspected, low pressure urethrography is the diagnostic method of choice following sonographic evaluation of the corpora cavernosa. Cavernosal integrity can only be established by cavernosography in equivocal cases and is not required when extravasation is demonstrated by urethrography. Conservative management carries a high risk of penile curvature and painful erection; therefore, whenever possible, surgery should be performed within a few hours following trauma and after careful evaluation. The cavernosal defect is repaired and end-to-end anastomosis of the urethra is performed. The patient should be informed of the risk of painful erection, penile curvature and urethral stenosis.