Integrative Review of Case Reports of Corpus Cavernosum Abscess

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this report was to conduct a systematic review of corpus cavernosum abscess case reports documenting the etiological agents and outcomes following treatment. Materials and Methods: We searched the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases for English-language articles published until September 2021 and performed a systematic review according to the 2020 PRISMA protocol. The primary outcome was to determine the erectile dysfunction rate, and the secondary outcome was to report the presence or worsening of penile deviation following corpus cavernosum abscess management. Results: We found 376 reports and included 41 studies with 42 patients in the systematic review analysis. Thirteen cases (30.9%) reported a first episode or worsening of erectile dysfunction after hospital discharge; five cases (11.9%) developed or had an exacerbated penile deviation during the follow-up. Conclusions: It is not possible carry out a systematic review with the current literature. Further prospective studies evaluating the proportion of compromised tissue, standardized therapeutic measures, and adequate follow-up should be conducted to better elucidate proper care for these patients.