Chordee Repair Overview

Chordee is a birth defect of the penis. The penis is curved downward during an erection. Chordee repair is a surgery to straighten the penis. The surgery is done by a specialized doctor called a pediatric urologist.

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Prior to Procedure

The doctor may do the following:

• Physical exam, which may include causing an artificial erection to check the degree of curvature

• Blood and urine tests

• Discuss the anesthesia being used and the potential risks

Talk to the doctor about your child’s medicines and supplements. Your child may need to stop certain medicines before the surgery. The doctor may also ask that your child take certain medicines to prepare for surgery.

Your child will need to have an empty stomach before the procedure. Ask the doctor when your child will need to stop eating.

Anesthesia

Local or general anesthesia is used. This will block any pain.

Description of Procedure

This is usually done in an outpatient setting. Your child will not need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Several techniques may be used to straighten the penis. Tight, shortened foreskin may be released. Extra skin on the longer side may be sutured with permanent or absorbable stitches. If the urethra is short, the lining of the urethra may need to be cut. In general, surgery aims to make the longer and shorter sides of the penis equal in length.

An artificial erection will be created using a special injection to confirm that the penis is straight. Bandages will be placed around the penis.

How Long Will It Take?

About 1-2 hours (longer if your child is having a more complex procedure)

How Much Will It Hurt?

Your child will not feel any pain during surgery. The doctor will give pain medicine after the procedure.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

The staff will monitor your child and give him pain medicine.

At Home

When your child returns home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Swelling is normal. Give medicines as directed. This may include antibiotic ointment to put on the penis.

• Your child should only engage in light, gentle activities while the penis is healing.

• Keep the bandaged area clean, dry, and protected as directed.

• Follow all of the doctor’s instructions.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/

American Urological Association
http://www.auanet.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Urological Association
http://www.cua.org/

Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/

References:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), National Guideline Clearinghouse. Congenital penile curvature. AHRQ, National Guideline Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://www.guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=12595&search=chordee . Published March 2009. Accessed August 13, 2010.

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Hypospadias/chordee. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital website. Available at: http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/info/urinary/diagnose/hypospadias.htm . Accessed August 16, 2010.

Elder J. Anomalies of the Penis and Urethra. In: Kleigman R, Behrman R, Jenson J. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 544.

Institute for Sexual Medicine. Congenital penile curvature: chordee. Institute for Sexual Medicine website. Available at: http://sexualmed.org/index.cfm/sexual-health-issues/for-men/congenital-penile-curvature-chordee/ . Updated March 29, 2010. Accessed August 16, 2010.

Penn State Children’s Hospital. Chordee. Penn State Children’s Hospital website. Available at: http://www.hmc.psu.edu/childrens/healthinfo/c/chordee.htm . Updated October 31, 2006. Accessed August 13, 2010.