Plication (penile shortening) surgical techniques
The first and most common surgical procedure developed for penis curvature correction is the plication technique.
The logic of this procedure is quite simple; in most cases the underlying reason for penile curvature is because the plaque develops on one side of the corpora cavernosa (the erection mechanism), resulting in a loss of elasticity. When the penis is erect, the affected side stretches less than the healthy side (in effect the one side of the penis is longer than the other) and this imbalance results in penile curvature.
All plication surgeries work in the same way; the surgeon operates on the healthy side of the penis so to correct the affected side and eliminate the curvature. Because of the associated penile length loss and also the fact that this surgery mainly eliminates curvature and not any other issues associated with Peyronie’s (such as hourglass or hinge effects), ideal candidates for this operation are patients with curvatures exhibiting the following characteristics:
- Intact erectile function or erectile dysfunction responding to pharmacotherapy
- Curvature in excess of 60 degrees
- No complex deformity
- No destabilising hour-glass or hinge
- Pre-peyronie’s loss of length in excess of 20% of total erect length
Various modifications of this technique have been proposed including Nesbit (the original surgical approach), Yachia, TAP, 16-dot and STAGE. The differences between these techniques are two-fold:
- The type of incision/excision performed in order to make the longer side shorter
- The way or type of sutures utilised to keep the longer side shorter
An excellent surgeon should be able to achieve very good results with any of these techniques although in certain cases, related to the curvature characteristics, a surgeon might choose to perform a specific technique due to their experience.
At International Andrology, we prefer to perform the STAGE technique as it has some demonstrable
advantages to others, especially compared other techniques such as the Nesbit approach.
Overview of the STAGE Technique
The Superficial Tunica Albuginea Geometric-based Excision (STAGE) technique was developed by our doctors as an improved variation of the original Nesbit technique.
The STAGE technique utilises geometric principles to identify the point of maximum curvature and through performing superficial and small excisions at the points of maximum curvature, the penis is straightened.
To find out more about the surgical treatment of Peyronie’s disease, then please contact our Patient Co-ordination team on 02030513060 or read our Frequently Asked Questions here.
I am suffering from a what I suspect is Peyronies disease, what should I do next?
If you believe you are suffering from Peyronies and it causes you significant concern we advise you to see a specialist urologist/andrologist.
Our doctors have vast experience treating Peyronies and our clinic is an international referral centre for patients suffering from this condition. We would be happy to review your case and treat you in our clinic.