[Medical and surgical treatments of congenital and acquired penile curvatures: a review].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the current study was to provide an overview about the surgical and medical management of acquired and congenital penile's curvature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: [corrected] A systematic review of the literature was done from the PubMed database by searching the following keywords alone or in combination: Congenital penile curvature; Congenital penile deviation; Acquired penile curvature; Acquired penile deviation; Peyronie's disease.

RESULTS: The treatment of congenital curvature is only surgical. The most common technique is the Nesbit's technique which consists in making elliptical excisions of the tunica albuginea. There are also incison or plication procedures which are efficient as well. Acquired curvature is most of the time represented by the Peyronie's disease or is post-traumatic. Among oral treatments available, the Potaba is the only drug which has proved a significant reduction in penile plaque size. Injections of interferon and nicardipine have also shown their efficacy. Ionotophoresis and extracorporeal shock-wave therapy may be beneficial for penile pain. Other therapies (vacuum, traction devices, topical Verapamil) can be interesting but other studies are necessary to recommend them. Surgical treatment is recommended during the fibrotic phase. The most common technique is also the Nesbit's technique. In case of severe curvature (curve superior to 60°), small penis, major deformations, graft techniques can be used. Moreover, if there is a sexual dysfunction, penile prosthesis is recommended.

CONCLUSION: Other studies are necessary to prove the efficacy of most of the drugs already available in the treatment of the penile curvature. It seems to be interesting to combine the different treatments to improve the results of those therapies.