'Fast-Track' Protocol for Penile Curvature Treatment

Abstract

Objectives: To describe a multimodal recovery protocol (fast-track surgery) for surgical treatment of penile curvature, as developed by the urology department at the General University Hospital of Valencia over the course of the last 10 years. Our aim was to demonstrate that the use of this protocol improves cost-effectiveness of the procedure, when compared to the classical procedure which requires hospital admission and general or spinal anesthesia. Material and Methods: We compared two groups of patients. The first group underwent strict ambulatory corporoplasty under our multimodal recovery protocol in an out-patient setting, with data collected prospectively. The second group of patients underwent curved penis surgery following the classical procedure before the multimodal recovery protocol was implemented, data was collected retrospectively. We evaluated the inclusion criteria and hospital discharge, as well as obtained results and degree of satisfaction through elaboration of a questionnaire. Results: Results obtained with fast-track protocol were comparable to those of conventional surgery, providing a null incidence of complications except for the inevitable shortening of the penis, clearly independent of the outpatient procedure regimen. The satisfaction degree with the received treatment was found to be over 95%. Conclusions: Virtually all patients affected by penile curvature could are suitable candidates for a fast-track surgery program, with the consequent improvement in cost-effectiveness of the procedure and no reduction of the quality of care received or patient satisfaction.