Treatments for fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa

Arab J Urol. 2013 Sep;11(3):294-8. doi: 10.1016/j.aju.2013.05.004. Epub 2013 Jul 9.

Abstract

Introduction: Corporal fibrosis usually occurs after explantation of an infected penile prosthesis, severe penile trauma, refractory low-flow priapism, Peyronie's disease, or the chronic intracavernous injection of vasoactive drugs.

Methods: We analysed current treatmentss for penile fibrosis. We searched PubMed using the keywords 'penile corporal fibrosis', 'treatment' and 'penile fibrosis', resulting in 63 matches, of which 19 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Results and conclusions: This review covers conservative medical therapy for corporal fibrosis and surgical therapeutic methods. The roles of phosphodiesterase- 5 inhibitors and pentoxifylline are analysed. Surgical therapy includes implantation of a penile prosthesis and corporal reconstruction, and these are reviewed. Corporal fibrosis is a major problem for patients, and is associated with severe erectile dysfunction. Conservative treatment options can be applicable in the early phase, but simultaneous corporal reconstruction procedures with concomitant implantation of a penile prosthesis should be attempted in severe cases of corporal fibrosis.

Keywords: Corporal fibrosis; ED, erectile dysfunction; Erectile dysfunction; ICI, intracavernous injection; PD, Peyronie’s disease; PDE5I, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors; PGE1, prostaglandin E1; Penile fibrosis; Surgery; Therapy.

Publication types

  • Review