Peyronie's Disease Surgery: Methods, Risks, and When It Is Appropriate

Are you considering surgery for a curved penis or Peyronie’s disease? If so, the most important thing you can do is to understand the full picture before you agree to it: how the surgery is performed, what it can and cannot do, what side effects you can definitely expect—and what should be clarified before you go under the knife.

Short answer: Surgery may be an option when the curvature is stable (typically at least 1 year after the active phase) and makes sexual intercourse very difficult or impossible. Surgery successfully corrects 50–75% of curvatures—but the penis will definitely become slightly shorter, and the procedure is irreversible.

At MS Insight, we do not perform surgeries. I offer something that none of the other providers around you do: an unbiased assessment using ultrasound imaging before you make your decision—and rehabilitation if you’ve already had surgery. On this page, you’ll find an honest overview of the surgery, intended neither to sell you on the procedure nor to talk you out of it.

When is a crumb-rich operation appropriate?

Surgery is indicated when all three of the following conditions are met:

The curvature is stable. Peyronie’s disease progresses in two phases: an active phase characterized by pain and increasing curvature (typically lasting up to one year), and a stable phase in which the scar tissue has “matured.” Urologists do not perform surgery until the curvature has remained unchanged for at least one year—if surgery is performed during the active phase, the curvature may continue after the procedure.
The curvature prevents sexual intercourse. When the curvature is around 30 degrees or more, sexual intercourse typically becomes difficult or painful. Mild to moderate curvature that does not cause discomfort does not require surgery.
Other options have been ruled out. Non-invasive options should be evaluated—and just as importantly, the cause (congenital vs. Peyronie’s disease), erectile function, and your expectations must be assessed, as these factors determine which type of surgery is even appropriate.

Michael Strøm

International expert in shockwave and EMTT treatment for erectile dysfunction and peyronies.

Surgical Procedures: How a Crummerik Surgery Is Performed

During the surgery, an artificial erection is created by filling the corpus cavernosum with saline solution so that the surgeon can precisely identify the point of greatest curvature. The method used then depends on the degree of curvature and your erectile function:

Pleating (contrast stitching)

The standard method for most curvatures. The surgeon makes an incision and places strong sutures in the connective tissue membrane on the opposite side of the curvature, so that the pull is balanced and the penis is straightened. The skin sutures are absorbable, while the internal sutures used in several departments are permanent and may be felt as small knots under the skin. The surgery takes about 1 hour and is typically performed as outpatient surgery—under local anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia, depending on the department. Important to understand: The plaque is not removed—the curvature is corrected by shortening the healthy side. As a result, the penis loses length.

Graft (tissue implantation)

In cases of very pronounced curvatures or an hourglass deformity, the surgeon may instead make an incision in the scar tissue itself and insert a piece of replacement tissue. This method preserves more length but carries a higher risk of subsequent erectile dysfunction and is therefore typically used only in cases of good erectile function and complex deformities.

Penile Prosthesis

If there are also severe erectile problems that do not respond to other treatments, a penile prosthesis may be the solution to both issues—the prosthesis corrects the curvature and restores erectile function. This is the most invasive option and is irreversible.

The surgery does not improve the ability to achieve an erection (except in the case of a prosthesis)—it corrects the shape so that sexual intercourse becomes possible again.

Side Effects and Risks of Crumb-Rich Surgery

Here’s what you need to know before making a decision—these figures come from the Danish hospitals’ own patient guides:

Penis shortening—safely. Circumcision shortens the healthy side; typically by up to about 1 cm, and more in cases of severe curvature. For some men, it’s a minor issue; for others, it severely affects their self-image.
There is no guarantee of a perfectly straight result. The hospitals themselves put it this way: The goal is a functional result, not a perfect one. 50–75% achieve a satisfactory correction—conversely, 25–50% do not, and in some cases, a new curvature of the penis develops, requiring reoperation.
Infection and hematoma: approximately 3–4% risk.
Lumps under the skin: The permanent sutures can be felt—in some cases causing prolonged tenderness, and scar tissue formation on the penis can, in rare cases, become chronic.
Reduced sensitivity: Sensitivity in the skin and glans of the penis may be reduced for up to 6 months after surgery—and in some cases, permanently.
Erectile dysfunction: The procedure may affect blood flow and nerves, particularly with the graft method.
Reoperation: The correction may fail or a new misalignment may develop, making another operation necessary—the hospitals themselves explicitly mention this risk.

Over the years, I have treated more than 40 men at the clinic following a penile shortening surgery. Many of them came to me because the results did not live up to what they had been promised—increased pain, greater shortening than expected, or new erectile problems.

The recurring pattern: They did not feel fully informed before the procedure. That is exactly why this page exists.

The Process: Before, During, and After Surgery

Referral and Preliminary Examination: In the public healthcare system, surgery requires a referral from your primary care physician to the urology department. A practical tip from the urologists themselves: Bring photos of your erect penis taken from two angles—this illustrates the extent of the problem better than any description. Wait times vary; your condition must be stable before you are offered surgery.
Preparation: If you are taking blood-thinning medication, discuss with your doctor whether you should take a break from it. Remove the hair at the base of the penis at home using a trimmer or electric razor—never a disposable razor, as cuts in the skin increase the risk of infection and could prevent you from having the surgery.
The procedure itself: About 1 hour; typically performed as outpatient surgery. Local anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or general anesthesia, depending on the department.
The first few days: The foam rubber bandage is removed the next day; after that, only a small band-aid is needed. Discoloration and swelling are normal and will fade like a bruise over the course of 1–6 weeks. Wear tight-fitting underwear with the penis resting against your abdomen—this helps reduce swelling and pain. Take acetaminophen at night for the first 2–3 weeks; nighttime erections may be painful, but they do not harm the wound. Showering is fine the day after the procedure; baths and swimming pools are not recommended for the first 10–14 days.
Activity and Work: Rest for the first 24 hours. Avoid strenuous physical work for 1 week and sports, cycling, and heavy lifting for 14 days. Sick leave is rarely necessary for office work—for physical work, it’s typically 2–7 days.
Abstain from sexual activity for about 6 weeks —the stitches must heal completely before the penis is subjected to any strain.
Follow-up: This varies by department—some conclude treatment without a follow-up, while others schedule a follow-up after 4–6 months. If you are dissatisfied with the results of the follow-up, please bring a new image of the curvature.

How much does a crumb-rich operation cost?

Public hospital: Free with a referral from your primary care physician—subject to wait times and the admission criteria set by the department.
Private hospital: A consultation with a urologist typically costs about 1,400–1,500 DKK; the surgery itself costs approximately 22,000 DKK under local anesthesia and approximately 27,000 DKK under general anesthesia (estimated prices from Danish private hospitals).

Note: The cost of making the wrong choice is greater than the cost of the procedure itself. Therefore, a thorough assessment before making a decision is the least expensive part of the entire process.

Before You Make a Decision: 7 Questions You Should Clarify

Is the curvature congenital or acquired (Peyronie’s disease)?
Has the curvature remained stable for at least 12 months?
How severe is the curvature, measured in degrees—and does it actually prevent sexual intercourse?
How is your erectile function? (Determines the choice between plication, graft, or prosthesis)
Is there plaque, calcification, or an hourglass deformity? (An ultrasound scan is required to determine this precisely)
What are your expectations regarding length and appearance after the procedure—and are they realistic?
Have non-invasive options been evaluated or ruled out based on the information provided?

Most of the answers require an ultrasound scan of plaque, tissue, and blood flow. What feels like a single hard lump may turn out to be multiple areas of plaque or tight connective tissue—and that changes both the prognosis and the choice of treatment. You can have that scan done at my office before you speak with the surgeon.

Alternatives to Consider Before Choosing Surgery

If the curvature is not yet stable, if the pain is severe, or if you’re unsure whether surgery is necessary, there are non-invasive options—at MS Insight, I use focused shockwave therapy, EMTT, and ultrasound-guided assessment, particularly in the early stages of the disease, where studies show the greatest window of opportunity for treatment (the first ~15 months).

It is not an option for all cases of stable, pronounced curvature—but it should be considered before you opt for an irreversible procedure. Read the full overview of non-surgical treatment for scoliosis.

Already had surgery? Rehabilitation after knee surgery

If you’ve had surgery and are experiencing pain, stiffness, shortening, or a weaker erection, you’re not alone—and there’s often something that can be done. Using shockwave therapy, EMTT, and targeted stretching and traction protocols, I work to improve tissue elasticity, reduce soreness, and restore function after surgery.

My experience with more than 40 men who have undergone surgery: The greatest improvements are seen when rehabilitation begins early. Call 41 40 08 58 to find out if your case is a good fit.

Contact Michael Strøm

Frequently asked questions about crumb surgery

When is surgery relevant for crumbling?

In cases of stable curvature (unchanged for at least one year) that makes sexual intercourse very difficult, painful, or impossible—typically a curvature of 30 degrees or more. Surgery is not performed during the active phase of Peyronie’s disease.

Will the penis become shorter after the surgery?

Yes, when plicating, definitely—typically up to about 1 cm, and more for large curvatures. The graft method preserves more length but increases the risk of erection problems.

Will the penis be completely straight after the surgery?

This cannot be guaranteed. 50–75% achieve satisfactory correction; the goal is a functional outcome, and in some cases, new misalignment occurs that requires reoperation.

How much does Peyronie's surgery cost?

Free in the public healthcare system with a referral. At a private hospital, the cost is typically about 22,000–27,000 DKK, depending on the type of anesthesia, plus the consultation fee.

How long should you wait before having sex after surgery?

Six weeks is the general rule in most departments—and always until the tenderness has subsided. Getting up at night during this time is natural and does not harm the wound.

Is it possible to have surgery for congenital scoliosis at a young age?

Yes. A congenital curvature that prevents sexual intercourse can be corrected with a minor surgical procedure—that’s how urologists describe it themselves. The process involves getting a referral from your primary care physician to a urologist, and it’s a good idea to bring photos of your erect penis from two angles so the extent of the curvature can be assessed right away. Expect a functional result, not a perfectly straight penis.

Does MS Insight perform complex operations?

No. I offer an independent evaluation using ultrasound before a decision is made, non-invasive options where appropriate, and rehabilitation after surgery. If you need surgery, you will be referred for a urological evaluation.

Can a herniated disc be treated without surgery?

In some cases, particularly in the early stages and when there is pain or plaque-related discomfort. If the curvature is stable and pronounced, surgery may be the most effective solution. An ultrasound scan will determine which category you fall into.

What if the surgery didn't produce the desired result?

Rehabilitation using shockwave therapy, EMTT, and traction protocols can improve flexibility, reduce soreness, and enhance function after surgery. The sooner these treatments are started after the procedure, the better.

Get a free second opinion before you make a decision

I do not perform surgeries and therefore have no interest in your choice—only in ensuring that it is made on an informed basis. In a brief, confidential phone conversation, we’ll review your situation: the stage of the curvature, your findings, your options, and what can realistically be expected from surgery and non-invasive treatment, respectively.

If surgery is the right choice for you, I’ll tell you straight up—and you’ll go to the urologist with an ultrasound scan and the right questions in hand.

Fill out the contact form on this page, call 41 40 08 58, or email michael@msinsight.dk.