Soft tissue grafts surgery is one of the surgical options for correcting a bent penis. A bent penis, medically known as Peyronie’s, is a condition caused by plaque or scar tissue that develops inside the penis. It forms on the top or bottom side of the penis inside the tunica albuginea, the thick membrane that envelopes penile tissue. It starts as local inflammation and gradually forms into a thick and hard scar tissue. It is a different type of plaque and nothing in common with the one that develops in arteries or on teeth. Mild presentation of Peyronie’s is normally ignored and left to evolve on its own. In many cases the scar tissue heals and the disease disappears. This could take a year or more. But some men are unfortunate and experience severe manifestation of symptoms like a downward bent penis even when it is erect. Medical treatment is mostly ineffective in severe cases and the choice is between two surgical options, Nesbit procedure, implants or soft tissue grafts.

Treatment becomes necessary when the condition becomes extremely painful and interferes with the sexual function. Nesbit procedure is plication or folding in parallel folds. Tissue grafting is the replacement or expansion of the scarred tunica albuginea. Healthy tissue from the unaffected side is taken and grafted on the side that where plaque has formed. Earlier this was done by first excising the plaque. The recent development is that surgeons use the grafts to expand the contracted scars without excising. Although some amount of scar tissue remains, this procedure is less likely to cause postoperative complications like erectile dysfunction.

Although all surgical procedures carry an inherent risk, connective tissue graft surgery involves delicate and sensitive tissue. As with all penis surgeries there is a risk of post operative impotence in this type of surgery as well. It is extremely important that the operation is performed by a qualified surgeon who specializes in connective tissue surgery and a good track record.

Connective tissue graft cancels the bending effect of the plaque. Despite the risk involved it remains the most successful reconstructive surgery for straightening a bent curved penis. It is specifically suited for correcting a severely bent penis as well as increasing volume or correcting diameter constriction. Grafting surgery on the penis is also less likely to cause numbness but restoration of length of the penis is limited.

In some cases a penile implant will straighten the penis and allow sexual intercourse. In the event implantation fails to provide the desired result, soft tissue graft can be used in conjunction to correct the bend. Most penile surgeries give positive results but may also shorten the penis a bit.

Research on Peyronie’s disease and its causes is an ongoing process. It may be time before a totally risk-free cure is developed. Till that time soft tissue grafts remain the best hope for men with a bent curved penis that does not allow them to enjoy sex.