The Devine-Horton technique is used in surgical procedures for the correction of penile curvature by making interventions to lengthen the shortened side of the penis. Learn more below.
The Devine-Horton technique can be a treatment for acquired curvature (Peyronie’s Disease) or congenital curvature and aims to restore the sexual quality of life for patients.
It was made possible thanks to the pioneering work of Nesbit, who in 1965 paved the way to treat these conditions, allowing new possibilities for surgical techniques to develop from there.
Devine-Horton Technique
The Devine-Horton technique represented a paradigm shift in the treatment of Peyronie’s Disease and congenital curvature, as it was the first penile curvature surgery to perform interventions on the short side of the penis.
Until 1974, when it was described, only the Nesbit technique was used for these cases. Although effective, the procedure entails a reduction in penis size of up to five centimeters.
That year, the two American doctors innovated and began performing surgery on the short side of the penis, lengthening it.
To do this, the surgeon performs the excision of the fibrosis from the tunica albuginea and, instead of making plications (as in Nesbit), another tissue is placed on the penis to cover the layers that were exposed (the “defect”). This is called a graft.
As it heals and regenerates, the intention is that the graft will cover the entire defect, as close as possible to natural skin, allowing alignment.
According to the study documenting the technique, it is capable of treating 80% of curvature cases.
However, with this technique, it is necessary to remove a significant amount of tissue from the tunica albuginea, which requires a significant amount of graft.
The graft, in turn, presents some disadvantages. Because it is not vascularized, it can generate retractions and loss of erection.
Sampaio Technique
Considering the difficulty in vascularizing grafted tissues, in 1989, the Devine-Horton technique received an enhancement.
The so-called contribution of Sampaio, a Portuguese urologist, performed, instead of excisions in the tissues, a single relaxation cut, also on the short side of the penis.
This generates an expansion of the tissues of the tunica albuginea, which is then covered by a graft.
What is the difference between Devine-Horton and Sampaio?
The difference between the techniques is that, in Devine-Horton, the tissues affected by fibrosis are removed, which causes significant tissue loss and therefore requires a larger graft.
In Sampaio, alignment is achieved thanks to a relaxation cut of the tissues. Since no tissues are removed, the defect is smaller, requiring a smaller graft with fewer chances of retractions and erectile dysfunction.
How to know if penile curvature correction surgery is for you?
Surgery to correct penile curvature is indicated for treating two conditions: Peyronie’s Disease and congenital curvature.
Peyronie’s Disease can be treated clinically with medications or injections. However, when these alternatives do not provide a good response for the patient, the urologist may recommend surgery.
In cases of congenital curvature, the only available treatment is surgical.
It is important to remember that if the curvature does not impair the patient’s sexual life (for example, if it does not hinder or prevent erection and movement), often, surgery is not necessary, only monitoring.
What is the best method?
There are more than 15 surgical techniques available for treating penile curvature.
The treatment for this type of condition is individualized and depends greatly on the anatomy of the patient’s penis, whether the patient has undergone previous surgery, whether there is or is not associated erectile dysfunction, whether there is good vascularization within the member, among other factors.
An evaluation with a urologist is essential to determine the best surgical technique indicated for each case.
What are the expected results?
Generally, the desired outcomes for penile curvature surgery with the Devine-Horton technique are:
- Alignment of the penis
- Restoration of penis size
- Rigidity for penetration
- Discreet scar
- No retraction
However, it is not possible to guarantee that the patient will achieve all the expected results, mainly because the behavior of the graft is unpredictable and depends on each organism.
How long does it take to see the full results after surgery?
This type of surgery takes up to a year to fully heal.
In the first days and weeks, the patient will need medical care and rest, but over the months, they will be able to perform activities normally and will already have a good idea of how the penis will look.
Around the second month, the patient may have sexual relations and have a full experience of the penile sensations.
However, it is recommended to wait up to a year for more intense movements with the area, whether in sexual practice or sports.
Can the curvature return after the procedure?
Penile curvature surgeries performed with the Devine-Horton technique indeed have some probability of curvature returning.
This is due to the graft and the tissue retraction it tends to cause.
Moreover, treatments that do not include the placement of a penile prosthesis – which provide firmness and rigidity to the penis, preventing new fibroses – are more prone to the return of penile curvature.
Advancements in surgical techniques for penile curvature have allowed interventions on the shortened side of the member, avoiding size reduction. On the other hand, the Devine-Horton technique, the first of its kind, has not yet been able to solve all the challenges that this complex condition demands.
To treat cases of Peyronie’s Disease and congenital curvature, it is essential to visit a surgeon who is familiar with the available surgical strategies. They will analyze the case and may indicate the best one for the patient to have a satisfactory sexual life. Seek help from Dr. Paulo Egydio.
Read also
- What is penile fracture?
- Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease: Risks and Recommendations
- Egydio’s Technique: Peyronie Disease Treatment
- Does the Egydio Technique Work for Every Penile Curvature?
- Implante de Prótese Peniana | Dr. Paulo Egydio
- Does Small Penis Exist? Check When Size Is a Concern
- 7 Simple Habits to Prevent Prostate Cancer
- Can People with a Penile Prosthesis Play Sports?
- How to Enlarge the Penis: Understanding the Options
- 6 Causes of Penis Fissures: Treatments and Care Tips
