A healthy 42-year-old man presented to the emergency department after the acute onset of penile pain during sexual intercourse. The erect penis had inadvertently collided with his partner's perineum. He heard a snap, noticed a rush of blood from the meatus, had immediate detumescence, and had severe pain. The penile “fracture” was basically a tear in the tunica albuginea, the watertight fibrous outer sheath of the corpora cavernosa that is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of an erection.
Disruption of the tunica results in a loss of blood outside the corpora, causing a hematoma. Based on clinical presentation, can this patient regain erectile function? How should this be managed? * This case is from Docplexus editorial team for educative purpose only Source: NEJM Stay connected, the answers will be posted in next 48h!
