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Complications and outcomes in penile abscess cases: A systematic review

  • Authors:
    • Fauriski Febrian Prapiska
    • Steven Steven
    • Bungaran Sihombing
    • Ramlan Nasution
    • Muhammad H. Warli
    • Dianita H. Harahap
  • View Affiliations / Copyright

    Affiliations: Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara‑Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, North Sumatera 20154, Indonesia, Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia‑Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Jakarta 14330, Indonesia
    Copyright: © Prapiska et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].
  • Article Number: 91
    |
    Published online on: July 17, 2025
       https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.379
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Abstract

Penile abscess is a rare condition typically presenting with penile discomfort and localized swelling. Despite the risk of developing post‑operative complications, surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy are the primary treatment approaches. The present study systematically reviewed the literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease and its often underreported sequelae. A thorough search of PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane and CINAHL databases was conducted for studies on penile abscess published up to December 10, 2023. The present systematic review compiled demographic characteristics, etiologies, clinical features, treatment modalities, outcomes and complications reported in the included studies. A total of 21 case reports involving 21 patients were identified. The majority of cases were treated with systemic antibiotics, surgical incision and drainage. MRI and ultrasonography were the most commonly used imaging modalities. The most frequent post‑operative complications were erectile dysfunction (11/21) and penile deviation (5/21). However, two studies reported complete resolution without complications (2/21). Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for favorable outcomes. Although surgical drainage and debridement remain the standard approach, less invasive image‑guided aspiration methods exhibit promise in minimizing complications. Given the rarity of penile abscess, the findings of the present study should be interpreted with caution. Further comparative studies are recommended to determine the most effective treatment strategies.
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PRISMA literature flow chart.
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Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
Prapiska FF, Steven S, Sihombing B, Nasution R, Warli MH and Harahap DH: Complications and outcomes in penile abscess cases: A systematic review. World Acad Sci J 7: 91, 2025.
APA
Prapiska, F.F., Steven, S., Sihombing, B., Nasution, R., Warli, M.H., & Harahap, D.H. (2025). Complications and outcomes in penile abscess cases: A systematic review. World Academy of Sciences Journal, 7, 91. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.379
MLA
Prapiska, F. F., Steven, S., Sihombing, B., Nasution, R., Warli, M. H., Harahap, D. H."Complications and outcomes in penile abscess cases: A systematic review". World Academy of Sciences Journal 7.5 (2025): 91.
Chicago
Prapiska, F. F., Steven, S., Sihombing, B., Nasution, R., Warli, M. H., Harahap, D. H."Complications and outcomes in penile abscess cases: A systematic review". World Academy of Sciences Journal 7, no. 5 (2025): 91. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.379
Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Prapiska FF, Steven S, Sihombing B, Nasution R, Warli MH and Harahap DH: Complications and outcomes in penile abscess cases: A systematic review. World Acad Sci J 7: 91, 2025.
APA
Prapiska, F.F., Steven, S., Sihombing, B., Nasution, R., Warli, M.H., & Harahap, D.H. (2025). Complications and outcomes in penile abscess cases: A systematic review. World Academy of Sciences Journal, 7, 91. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.379
MLA
Prapiska, F. F., Steven, S., Sihombing, B., Nasution, R., Warli, M. H., Harahap, D. H."Complications and outcomes in penile abscess cases: A systematic review". World Academy of Sciences Journal 7.5 (2025): 91.
Chicago
Prapiska, F. F., Steven, S., Sihombing, B., Nasution, R., Warli, M. H., Harahap, D. H."Complications and outcomes in penile abscess cases: A systematic review". World Academy of Sciences Journal 7, no. 5 (2025): 91. https://doi.org/10.3892/wasj.2025.379
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