Penile Fractures in North Central Region of Nigeria

Background: Penile fracture is defined as a rupture of the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum as a result of blunt trauma to an erect penis. Objectives: To study the aetiological factors, presentation, site of injury, treatment, as well as the treatment outcome of all patients that presented to us with penile fracture . Methodology: Data were obtained retrospectively from the patients’ clinical records from three centres: Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Urodiagnostic Specialist Centre and Federal Medical Centre, all in Makurdi, North Central Nigeria over a five year period (January 2012 to December, 2016). The bio-data, aetiological factors, time of presentation, site of injury, treatment given and outcome of treatment were analysed. Results: Six patients with median age of 39yrs were seen within the study period. Coitus with the woman on top was the precipitating factor in four patients. The time interval from injury to presentation ranged from 12 – 72hours. The classical presentation was noted in all patients. Five patients had surgical exploration. All injuries were in the mid shaft of the corpora cavernosa with the right side affected in three patients. Average hospital stay was 4 days. All patients had full erection at three months post exploration, however one patient reported penile deviation. Conclusion: The outcome of penile fracture following surgical repair was good.Keywords: Penis, Penile rupture, Trauma, Coitus, Penile reconstruction, Phallic injuries