Penile fracture: 4 cases managed at referral hospitals in Rwanda

Abstract

[Accepted Case Report]

Introduction: Penile fracture is an under-reported but growing urological emergency. It is almost always diagnosed clinically. Early surgical management is essential to ensure good outcomes. We report four cases of penile fracture that were successfully managed in low-income settings.

Cases summary: Within 16 consecutive months, four patients presented with a penile fracture at three referral hospitals in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. Their ages ranged from 28 to 48 years. The fracture occurred during sexual intercourse in three patients, and masturbation in one patient. The diagnosis was clinical. In two patients, penile fracture was associated with urethral injury. After surgical repair, all patients recovered their normal sexual and voiding functions.

Discussion: With the growing access to care and urological services in our country, more cases of penile fractures should be anticipated. A careful patients’ clinical assessment led to the diagnosis. Early presentation, anticipation of associated injuries and appropriate surgical techniques were the key factors contributing to a good outcome.   

Conclusion: Penile fracture is a rare dramatic urological emergency. The public should be informed and clinicians in the country and the region should be ready to diagnose and manage timely that condition.