Congenital Penile Curvature Treatment in Singapore

Living with congenital penile curvature can impact physical comfort, sexual function, and emotional well-being. Many men struggle silently with this condition, unaware that effective treatment options are available. Congenital penile curvature treatment encompasses various surgical techniques designed to straighten the penis and restore normal function. In Singapore, MOH-accredited urologists specialise in correcting this condition using proven surgical approaches tailored to each patient’s specific anatomy and degree of curvature.

Congenital penile curvature treatment refers to surgical procedures that correct abnormal bending of the penis present from birth. Unlike Peyronie’s disease, which develops later in life due to scar tissue, congenital curvature results from uneven development of the penile tissues during foetal growth. The condition typically becomes apparent during puberty when erections become more frequent.

The treatment aims to straighten the penis to allow normal sexual function and eliminate associated discomfort. Surgical correction involves either shortening the longer side of the penis (plication techniques) or lengthening the shorter side (grafting techniques). The choice of technique depends on the severity and direction of the curvature, penile length, and individual patient factors.

Success rates for congenital penile curvature correction are generally high, with most patients achieving satisfactory straightening and preserved erectile function. The procedure is typically performed as day surgery under general anaesthesia, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Ideal Candidates

• Men with penile curvature greater than 30 degrees that interferes with sexual intercourse
• Individuals experiencing pain or discomfort during erections due to curvature
• Patients with stable curvature that hasn’t changed for at least 6 months
• Men who have completed pubertal development (typically 18 years or older)
• Those in good general health suitable for surgery
• Patients with realistic expectations about surgical outcomes
• Men whose partners experience discomfort during intercourse due to the curvature

Contraindications

• Active urinary tract infections or genital infections
• Bleeding disorders or medications that affect blood clotting
• Severe cardiovascular disease that precludes surgery
• Uncontrolled diabetes that may impair healing
• Unrealistic expectations about surgical results
• Mild curvature (less than 30 degrees) that doesn’t affect function

A thorough evaluation by an MOH-accredited urologist is essential to determine candidacy for surgery. The assessment includes physical examination, measurement of curvature degree, and discussion of sexual function to ensure the appropriate treatment approach.

Plication Techniques

Plication procedures involve placing permanent sutures on the longer (convex) side of the penis to shorten it and achieve straightening. The Nesbit procedure involves excising small ellipses of tunica albuginea, while modified techniques use sutures without tissue removal. These approaches work well for curvatures less than 60 degrees and preserve penile sensation and erectile function.

Grafting Techniques

For severe curvatures exceeding 60 degrees or complex deformities, grafting procedures lengthen the shorter (concave) side of the penis. The surgeon makes incisions in the tunica albuginea and inserts graft material to expand the tissue. Grafts may be harvested from the patient’s own tissue or use synthetic materials.

Penile Disassembly Technique

In cases of severe or complex curvature, complete penile disassembly allows comprehensive correction. This technique involves separating penile components, correcting each element individually, then reconstructing the anatomy. While more complex, it offers good results for challenging cases.

Technology & Equipment Used

Modern surgical equipment includes high-magnification loupes for precise tissue handling, specialised microsurgical instruments, and contemporary suture materials. Some centres employ intraoperative ultrasound to assess blood flow and ensure preservation of erectile function during surgery.

Pre-Treatment Preparation

Patients undergo comprehensive evaluation including physical examination and photography to document curvature degree. Blood tests ensure fitness for surgery. Patients must stop blood-thinning medications one week before surgery under medical guidance. Smoking cessation is strongly advised to optimise healing. Patients should arrange transportation home post-surgery and time off work for recovery.

During the Procedure

The surgery begins with general anaesthesia administration. The surgeon creates an incision, typically circumferential below the glans or at the penile base. After exposing the tunica albuginea, the chosen correction technique is performed. For plication, sutures are placed strategically to straighten the penis. For grafting, the short side is incised and graft material inserted. The surgeon tests the correction using artificial erection before closing incisions with absorbable sutures. The entire procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.

Immediate Post-Treatment

Patients recover in the post-anaesthesia care unit with penile dressing and sometimes a catheter. Pain medication is administered as needed. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. The surgical team monitors for bleeding or other immediate complications. Patients receive detailed aftercare instructions before discharge, typically 2-4 hours post-surgery. Ice packs help reduce swelling during the first 24 hours.

First 24-48 Hours

Keep the dressing clean and dry, changing as directed by your surgeon. Take prescribed pain medication regularly to stay comfortable. Avoid strenuous activities and rest with the penis elevated to reduce swelling. Watch for signs of infection including fever, increasing pain, or unusual discharge. Light walking is encouraged to prevent blood clots. Patients may shower after 48 hours, gently patting the area dry.

First Week

Attend your follow-up appointment for dressing removal and wound inspection. Continue wearing supportive underwear to minimise movement. Swelling and bruising typically peak around day 3-4 then gradually improve. Return to desk work is usually possible after 3-5 days. Avoid heavy lifting, sports, and sexual activity. Maintain good hygiene with gentle cleaning of the surgical site.

Long-term Recovery

Complete healing takes approximately 6-8 weeks. Sexual activity can typically resume after 6 weeks with surgeon approval. Erections may feel tight initially but improve as tissues stretch. Some patients benefit from gentle stretching exercises starting at 4 weeks. Final cosmetic results become apparent after 3-6 months when all swelling resolves. Regular follow-up ensures optimal outcomes and addresses any concerns.

Successful treatment restores the ability to engage in comfortable sexual intercourse for both partners. Men report improved self-confidence and reduced anxiety about intimate relationships. The psychological benefits often prove as significant as the physical improvements. Partners frequently express relief and improved sexual satisfaction post-treatment.

Many patients experience enhanced quality of life beyond sexual function. The elimination of physical discomfort during erections improves daily comfort. Correcting the curvature can make hygiene easier and reduce risk of injury during physical activities. For men who avoided relationships due to embarrassment, treatment opens possibilities for intimate connections.

The permanence of surgical correction means patients enjoy long-lasting results without ongoing treatment. Unlike some medical conditions requiring lifelong management, successful surgery provides a definitive solution. Most men maintain their surgical results indefinitely with proper healing.

Common Side Effects

Temporary penile swelling and bruising affect most patients but resolve within 2-3 weeks. Mild pain or discomfort during healing is managed with oral pain medication. Some penile shortening may occur with plication techniques, typically 1-2cm. Temporary changes in penile sensation usually improve over several months. Small areas of numbness near incisions generally resolve as nerves regenerate.

Rare Complications

Infection occurs in less than 2% of cases and responds well to antibiotics when caught early. Recurrence of curvature is uncommon but may require revision surgery. Erectile dysfunction is rare when surgery is performed by experienced surgeons using proper techniques. Glans hypoesthesia (reduced sensation) occasionally occurs but often improves with time. Haematoma formation may require drainage if significant.

Risk minimisation involves selecting an experienced MOH-accredited urologist, following pre and post-operative instructions carefully, and maintaining good general health. Modern surgical techniques and careful patient selection reduce complication rates.

Treatment costs vary based on the complexity of curvature, chosen surgical technique, and whether additional procedures are required. Factors influencing price include surgeon expertise, facility fees, anaesthesia costs, and post-operative care requirements. More complex cases requiring grafting techniques typically cost more than simple plication procedures.

The fee usually encompasses pre-operative consultation, surgical procedure, anaesthesia, operating theatre use, and initial follow-up visits. Patients should clarify what’s included and any potential additional costs for complications or revision surgery. While cost is a consideration, choosing an experienced surgeon reduces risks of complications that could require costly revision procedures.

Quality surgical care represents an investment in long-term sexual health and quality of life. Consultation with our urologist provides a personalised quote based on your specific treatment needs.