Levine Modification of Duckett/Baskin Tunica Albuginea Plication (TAP)

L. Levine, M. Sturgis

Peyronie's disease, tunica albuginea plication, penile curvature, TAP, surgical technique, nonabsorbable suture

Tunica albuginea plication (TAP) is an established surgical technique for correction of penile curvature associated with Peyronie’s disease, originally described by Duckett and Baskin. While effective, traditional iterations of this procedure rely on permanent (nonabsorbable) sutures, which have been associated with bothersome complications including suture palpability, discomfort, and a foreign body sensation reported in a subset of patients. This video demonstrates Dr. Laurence Levine’s modification of the TAP technique, which minimizes the use of permanent sutures while maintaining reliable and durable penile straightening.

The case featured is a 53-year-old male with Peyronie’s disease first diagnosed in 2012, presenting initially with a 30-degree left lateral curvature and grade 1 calcification on duplex ultrasound. Following years of conservative management with pentoxifylline, arginine, and traction therapy, he returned in 2026 with disease progression, including a 40-degree gradual distal shaft and left lateral curvature, reduced stretched penile length from 14 cm to 12.5 cm, and discomfort with intercourse. After thorough shared decision-making, surgical correction was elected.

In this video, Dr. Levine and Dr. Morgan Sturgis of Rush University Medical Center walk the viewer through each step of the procedure in detail. A total of three plication sutures were placed using a minimal permanent suture approach to achieve a straight erect penis, consistent with the technique described and validated in prior published outcomes data. The video provides high-quality operative footage with expert narration, offering an instructive and reproducible guide for urologic surgeons seeking to refine their approach to plication surgery. This submission is of particular value to members of Sexual Medicine Societies as it presents a technically nuanced, evidence-based modification of a commonly performed procedure from one of the field’s most experienced practitioners.

None.

Laurence Levine MD is a consultant for Absorption Pharmaceuticals, Boston Scientific, Hybrid Medical, International Medical Devices, Irrimax Corp, and RP Therapies.

Morgan Sturgis MD has no disclosures.

1. Papagiannopoulos D, Phelps J, Yura E, Levine LA. Surgical outcomes from limiting the use of nonabsorbable suture in tunica albuginea plication for Peyronie’s disease. Int J Impot Res. 2017;29:258–261.