Morphometric Predictors of Penile Length Increase After Division of its Suspensory Ligament

Abstract

Introduction Division of the suspensory ligament of the penis has emerged as a popular surgical approach for penile lengthening, but accurate preoperative predictions of lengthening outcomes remain elusive. This study aimed to identify readily measurable anatomical parameters associated with post-ligamentolysis penile length gain, facilitating more reliable preoperative estimations. Methods An experimental cross-sectional study was performed on 16 adult cadavers. Data collected before dissection included: age at death, ethnicity, height, length of the penis before dissection and width of the suspensory ligament of penis. Following the complete dissection of the suspensory ligament of penis, the depth of the pubic symphysis and the penile length after the procedure were measured. The absolute and relative length differences pre- and post-ligamentolysis were calculated. Correlation coefficients were used to study relations between these variables. Results Penile length increased uniformly after complete division of the suspensory ligament (average gain: 26.38 mm, SD = 14.83 mm; range 4–60 mm). Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative correlation between pre-ligamentolysis penile length and post-ligamentolysis increase (r = − 0.601; p = 0.014), suggesting greater gains in individuals with shorter pre-ligamentolysis lengths. Age, ligament width, and pubic arch depth showed no significant correlations. Ethnicity did not impact post-ligamentolysis length increase (t = − 0.135; p = 0.894). Conclusions This study highlights the potential to predict penile length gain post-ligamentolysis through measurable anatomical parameters. The ability to anticipate the outcome of this procedure could empower surgeons to provide informed counseling, potentially elevating patient satisfaction. An experimental cross-sectional study was performed to investigate the outcomes of penile lengthening surgery Penile lengthening was achieved in all subjects via complete dissection of the suspensory ligament of the penis Penile length increase may be predicted preoperatively using easily measurable anatomical parameters No Level Assigned This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each submission to which Evidence-Based Medicine rankings are applicable. This excludes Review Articles, Book Reviews, and manuscripts that concern Basic Science, Animal Studies, Cadaver Studies, and Experimental Studies. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266