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For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
Urology
Chordee
We specialize in the big things, the small things and everything in between.
What is chordee?
Chordee (congenital penile curvature) causes the penis to bend or twist, especially while it is erect. Chordee does not always have negative impacts during childhood but can inhibit sexual function later in adulthood. Doctors often recommend correcting chordee when your child is young, rather than waiting until later.
What causes chordee?
Chordee is the result from the abnormal development of the penis, but experts are not sure of the exact cause of the abnormal development.
Who gets chordee?
Chordee is a fairly common birth defect. Chordee can be a stand-alone medical condition, or associated with other congenital conditions of the penis, including:
- Hypospadias: a condition that occurs when the urethra is not located at the tip of the penis
- Penile torsion: a condition that occurs when the midline raphe (ridge located on the underside of the penis) wraps around the penis, causing the penis to be twisted
What are the signs and symptoms of chordee?
Bending, curvature, or twisting of the penis are signs of penile chordee. This can range from mild to severe. More severe forms may impact sexual function later in life, including causing pain with sexual activity for the patient or his partner. In childhood, the condition is often painless with or without an erection.
Penile torsion or twisting of the penis may impact a boy’s ability to aim the urinary stream.
What tests are used to diagnose chordee?
A careful physical exam of the penis can reveal the presence of chordee, penile torsion and congenital penile curvature.
What can I expect from chordee tests?
Physical exam is a standard part of the visit with a pediatric urology provider. This may be a bit anxiety provoking for some, but should be painless. Our pediatric-trained providers are experienced in examining this sensitive area.
How is chordee treated?
In cases where the defect is mild, your child’s doctor may just recommend observation. In more severe cases, your child’s doctor may recommend surgery to correct the chordee. We typically recommend waiting until your child is at least 6 months of age before performing surgery, which is when potential risks of using general anesthesia reach their lowest point.
If surgery is recommended, your child will receive general anesthesia so they sleep during the surgery. Patients go home the same day. Risks include bleeding, infection, and recurrence of the curvature. Most patients have soreness that lasts 24 to 48 hours, which is treated with acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Why choose us to treatment chordee?
Our providers specialize in the care of pediatric patients, whether being seen in the clinic or the operating room. Our experienced pediatric urologists at Children’s Hospital Colorado have diagnosed and treated chordee many times, from mild to severe forms, with excellent results.
In addition to having experienced urological surgeons, our anesthesiologists are trained to work exclusively with kids. Not only do they ensure the right dosage of medication for children, they are trained to talk to them and help them understand the process to help put them at ease before surgery.
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