Penile injury

Characterized by a loud popping sound at the time of the injury, the result of the tunica albuginea rupturing.

[1] If left untreated, complications result in 28–53% of cases; these include permanent curvature of the penis, fistula, urethral diverticulum, priapism, and erectile dysfunction.

[5] Degloving and avulsion injuries involve the removal of the penis skin, which is a serious medical emergency.

[8] In adults, strangulation injuries that require medical treatment can be caused by a variety of objects typically used for the purpose of sexual gratification, extending the time of an erection, or enuresis, including metal rings, which must be removed by specialized cutting instruments.

[6][7] Because the vasculature of the penis is compressed, a variety of complications can result from strangulation injuries, depending on whether the veins, arteries, or both are compressed, including mild, reversible vascular obstruction; ischemic necrosis; gangrene and kidney damage; lymphedema; ulceration; urethrocutaneous fistula, loss of sensation; urethral injury; sepsis; and autoamputation.

[7] Penile strangulation injuries that require medical attention are rare: since their first description in 1755, there have been approximately 60–120 reported cases.

They are treated by removing the zipper with local anesthesia using a bone cutter, lubrication, or hacksaw, dismantling the zipper, or removing the affected tissue, and can be prevented in most situations by circumcision, since the foreskin is the most commonly affected tissue.

These injuries are treated by re-implantation if possible, with or without anastomosis of the vasculature to restore erectile function; skin necrosis and loss of sensation are common complications after treatment.

[1] Penetrating injuries can be caused by accidents during sexual activities (typically, by foreign objects inserted into the urethra), by weapons (i.e. bullets) during wartime, or by stabbing.

These injuries can have varying severity and be superficial, affect the corpora cavernosa, other soft tissue, and/or urethra.

[17] But in some cases, ultrasonography can indicate the extent of the injury and help a clinician decide if the injured person needs surgical treatment.

Most traumatic penile injury warrant an emergency repairing surgery to prevent complications and maintain functionality of the penis sexually and urologically.

Some injuries, including animal bites, are also treated with antibiotics, irrigation, and rabies prophylaxis.