The Multiple-Slit Technique (MUST) for Penile Length and Girth Restoration

Abstract Background Patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and penile size issues, especially seen in Peyronie's disease (PD), are candidates for more invasive penile prosthesis insertion techniques that aim for penile length and girth reconstruction. Aim To present the feasibility and safety of penile length and girth restoration based on the so-called multiple-slit technique (MUST) for patients with severe ED and significant penile shortening with or without PD. Methods From July 2013 through January 2016, 138 patients underwent the MUST. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction were completed. Outcomes Outcome analysis was focused on penile length restoration, penile curvature correction, intra- and postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction. Results 138 patients underwent the procedure (103 malleable and 35 inflatable devices). Etiologies of penile shortening and narrowing were PD, severe ED, post-radical prostatectomy, and androgen-deprivation therapy with or without brachytherapy or external radiotherapy for prostate cancer, and post-penile fracture in 60.1%, 24.6%, 10.1%, 3.6%, and 2.2%, respectively. In PD cases, the mean deviation of the penile axis was 55° (range = 0–90°). Mean subjective penile length loss reported was 3.2 cm (range = 1–5 cm), and shaft constriction was present in 44.9%. Median follow-up was 15.2 months (range = 6–36 months). Mean penile length gain was 3.1 cm (range = 2–5 cm). No penile prosthesis infection caused device explantation. One glans necrosis was encountered. The average IIEF score increased from 22 points at baseline to 66 points at 6-month follow-up. Clinical Implications The MUST helps address penile size issues in cases of severe ED with concomitant conditions that impair penile length or girth. Strengths and Limitations The strength of the study is its applicability to provide surgeons with a solution for cases in which patients have severe ED and penile size impairment owing to underlying conditions such as PD. The study is limited by the relatively short follow-up. Conclusions The MUST is an effective, safe, and viable treatment option for a selected patient cohort. Because of the potential complications, proper counseling should take place and only experienced surgeons should perform this type of surgery. Egydio PH, Kuehhas FE. The Multiple-Slit Technique (MUST) for Penile Length and Girth Restoration. J Sex Med 2018;15:261–269.