Penile shaft reconstruction after cream self-injection: a case report

Léa Bollen^1,*, Stéphane Rysselinck², Jean-Philippe Salmin³, Gilles Dosin⁴
1 Department of Urology, Clinique Universitaire Saint-Luc., Bruxelles, 1200, Belgium
2 Department of Urology, CHU Helora (site Jolimont, Lobbes et Nivelles), Louvière, 7100, Belgium
3 Department of Plastic Surgery, CHU Helora (site Jolimont, Nivelles), Louvière, 7100, Belgium
4 Department of Urology, CHU Helora (site Jolimont, Nivelles), Louvière, 7100, Belgium
* Corresponding Author: Léa Bollen. Email: email

Canadian Journal of Urology https://doi.org/10.32604/cju.2025.067192

Received 26 April 2025; Accepted 04 September 2025; Published online 16 October 2025

Download PDF

Abstract

Background: Penile augmentation through injectable substances is becoming increasingly common. A growing number of aesthetic clinics are developing penile enlargement procedures using various injectable materials. Although these procedures are now performed in more controlled and medically supervised environments, their long-term outcomes remain poorly understood. The promotion of such medical treatments contributes to an increasing interest among adult males in self-injection as a method to alleviate psychological distress associated with penile size concerns. At the same time, access to injectable substances through unofficial or unregulated sources has become increasingly easy. Tor our knowledge, we report the first documented case of self-injection with Garamycin^® (gentamicin) cream, contributing to the literature on the often multidisciplinary management of penile enlargement injections, a field still lacking well-established guidelines. Case Description: This case report describes a young patient who self-injected Garamycin^® into the penis for the purpose of enlargement. He presented to our urology department with worsening symptoms, including severe and poorly tolerated pain. His primary request was prompt relief of pain while preserving, as much as possible, the aesthetic appearance and functional integrity of his penis. This case required a multi-stage surgical approach to salvage the penis and preserve both its structural integrity and functional outcome. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this case report documents the first reported instance of Garamycin^® injection performed for the purpose of penile enlargement. It provides insight into the clinical course of such penile cream injections, demonstrates that a two-stage scrotal flap can achieve both functional and aesthetic outcomes, and highlights the importance of comprehensive management particularly addressing the traumatic impact of penile deformity secondary to inflammation and/or infection, as well as the body dysmorphic concerns often associated with these cases.