BackTable Urology

Ep. 319 Reconstructive Techniques for Adult Buried Penis with Dr. Paul Rusilko

BackTable Urology

Show Notes

The definitive treatment for adult acquired buried penis is surgery, but successful treatment depends on having a well-coordinated network of patient support, multidisciplinary care teams, and reconstructive urologic surgery expertise. This episode of Backtable Urology overviews this multifaceted disease and dives into reconstructive surgery techniques, featuring Dr. George Koch and Dr. Paul Rusilko.

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction04:10 - History of Buried Penis Treatment08:47 - Grafts Versus Flaps11:34 - Hidden Pathologies and Informed Consent13:46 - Research and Insurance Approval18:24 - Delayed Care and Disease Burden22:31 - Deciding When to Operate and Temporizing Procedures30:23 - Building Referral Networks33:13 - Future Directions36:42 - Infection Risk 41:15 - Technique Evolution45:57 - Preop Evaluation Essentials50:50 - Intraop Keys to Success and Graft Protection59:26 - Postop Pathway and Teamwork01:02:54 - W-Plasty Video Walkthrough01:13:52 - Wrap Up

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More about this episode

The doctors explore the nuances of surgical treatment, emphasizing the importance of thorough preoperative counseling given the high likelihood of unexpected intraoperative findings and the need to adjust the surgical plan. Dr. Rusilko also discusses the broader burden of disease, including depression, strictures, occult penile cancer, and the high rate of postoperative complications, most of which are low grade. He stresses that earlier referral may improve patient care. The episode concludes with practical surgical tips, guidance on building a buried penis practice, strategies for setting realistic recovery expectations, and an in-depth case review of his novel W-plasty technique.

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Resources

W-plasty: A novel procedure for the repair of adult-acquired buried penis https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolvj.2023.100219

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