Gunshot Wounds of the Penis or Scrotum

Patient selection: male with gunshot wound to the penis or scrotum.

Predictors of outcome:

(1) kinetic energy of bullet (with military gunshot wounds usually more destructive)

(2) structures hit

(3) other pelvic injuries (vascular, neural, other)

Injuries may include:

(1) testicular rupture

(2) urethral trauma

(3) damage to corpora cavernosa

(4) damage to the glans

(5) hematoma

(6) penile avulsion or castration

Complications may include:

(1) urethral stricture

(2) erectile dysfunction, often responsive to pharmacological therapy

(3) cosmetic change

(4) infertility

(5) infection