Penis Lengthening – A Retrospective Review of 300 Consecutive Cases

Abstract

Between November 1993 and July 1995, 300 patients underwent penis lengthening surgery. Twelve of these patients had previous genital surgery and/or congenital anomalies, and their procedures could be considered reconstructive. The remaining surgical procedureswere cosmetic. Average patient age was 37 years (range 18 to 74 years). The average preoperative erect length was 12.5 cm (range 7.5 to 16 cm, SD 1.5). ‘Locker room phobia’, adverse female comments and body disproportion were common reasons for patients desiring surgery. All racial groups were represented, with European ancestry the most common. Surgery involved releasing all the superficial (fundiform) ligament and most of the deep suspensory ligament. The defect was filled with plicated gracilis muscle along with shifted skin and subcutaneous tissues. Postoperative traction was used to reduce the chance of scar and penis retraction. The most common major complication was wound infection (5.7%). The most frequent minor problem was dermatitis (13%). Long term (mean10months, range sixto18months) objective measurements using the stretch technique were obtained for 42 patients. One patient lost 1 cm in length, while 41 gained length (mean 3.2 cm, range 0.5 to 6 cm). Poor patient compliance with the postoperative protocol appears to be the most significant factor limiting the success of the procedure.