Pronounced: kor-DEE ree-pahr
Chordee repair is a surgery to straighten the penis. It is done to repair a birth defect of the penis called chordee . This defect makes the penis curve downward during an erection.
A chordee repair is done by a specialized doctor called a pediatric urologist. The surgery is typically done after six months of age if the penis curvature is greater than 30 degrees. Curvature of the penis greater than 60 degrees can affect sexual function later in life.
The Male Reproductive System
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This procedure is done on male infants born with:
After surgery, the penis should function normally.
Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If your child is having the surgery, the doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Discuss these risks with the doctor before surgery.
The doctor may do the following:
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 breastfeeding or eating.
Local or general anesthesia will be used. This will block any pain.
The surgery 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. In general, surgery aims to make the longer and shorter sides of the penis equal in length. Techniques may include:
An artificial erection will be created using a special injection. This will confirm that the penis is straight. Bandages will be placed around the penis.
About 1-2 hours (longer if your child is having a more complex procedure)
Your child will not feel any pain during surgery. The doctor will give medicine after the procedure to manage pain.
The staff will monitor your child and give him pain medicine as needed.
Swelling of the area is normal. When your child returns home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
After arriving home, contact the doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.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 September 14, 2012.
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.
Hypospadias. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated October 23, 2011. Accessed September 14, 2012.
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 September 14, 2012.
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 September 14, 2012.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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