Symptoms of Corporal Damage
Jun 07, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Luo Yong
Introduction
The prominent manifestations of penile injury include localized pain, swelling, ecchymosis, bleeding, laceration, transection, penetration, dislocation, avulsion, necrosis, and partial defects. Typically, patients experience severe localized penile pain followed by flaccidity of the penis and subsequent swelling and ecchymosis. If the corpora cavernosa are ruptured, penile deformity—such as curvature—may occur; the penis may deviate toward the contralateral side, exhibit an “S-shaped” swelling, or bend downward.
Corpora cavernosa—the hardest smooth muscle and connective tissue structures in the human body. They are erectile tissues enveloped by a dense, fibrous tunica albuginea. Internally, they consist of a sponge-like framework composed of connective tissue and smooth muscle, with vascular sinusoids interconnected to the blood vessels.
The hallmark manifestations of penile injury include localized pain, as well as swelling, ecchymosis, hemorrhage, laceration, transection, perforation, dislocation, degloving, necrosis, and partial tissue loss.
Typically, patients experience severe local penile pain followed by immediate detumescence (loss of erection) and subsequent swelling and ecchymosis. If a corporal rupture occurs, the penis may develop a deformity characterized by curvature—often deviating toward the contralateral side, assuming an “S-shaped” swelling or downward bending. In cases of tunica albuginea rupture, the hematoma may extend into the scrotum and perineum. Concurrent urethral injury may result in hematuria or bleeding from the external urethral meatus.
With prompt and appropriate management, the prognosis following penile fracture is generally favorable. However, potential late complications may include erectile dysfunction, penile curvature deformity, painful erections, dyspareunia, pseudoaneurysm formation, penile arterial aneurysm, high-flow priapism, lymphedema, and urethral stricture.
