Leech therapy in penile replantation: a case of recurrent penile self-amputation

Penile amputation is a rare urologic trauma for which immediate surgical replantation is indicated. Microsurgical techniques can reduce skin and graft loss complications; nonetheless, such complications are still highly prevalent. We report a case of self-inflicted penile amputation and describe a n...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Urology (Ridgewood, N.J.) N.J.), 2004-05, Vol.63 (5), p.981-983
Main Authors: Mineo, Michael, Jolley, Tracie, Rodriguez, Gabriel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Debridement
Eating
Edema - therapy
Humans
Leeching - methods
Male
Penile Diseases - therapy
Penis - injuries
Penis - surgery
Postoperative Complications - therapy
Recurrence
Replantation - methods
Schizoid Personality Disorder - psychology
Self Mutilation - psychology
Self Mutilation - surgery
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Summary:Penile amputation is a rare urologic trauma for which immediate surgical replantation is indicated. Microsurgical techniques can reduce skin and graft loss complications; nonetheless, such complications are still highly prevalent. We report a case of self-inflicted penile amputation and describe a nonmicrosurgical technique for replantation. To improve postoperative edema due to venous congestion, we applied medicinal leeches to the penis. The edema quickly resolved, but overlying skin loss occurred, which required superficial debridement. At follow-up the patient had glans re-epithelialization with normal voiding, sensation, and erections. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of nonmicrosurgical penile replantation with leech therapy.
ISSN:0090-4295
1527-9995
DOI:10.1016/j.urology.2004.01.019