Minimizing Penile Prosthesis Implant Infection: What Can We Learn From Orthopedic Surgery?

The implantation of penile protheses for the surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction has risen in popularity over the past several decades. Considerable advances have been made in surgical protocol and device design, specifically targeting infection prevention. Despite these efforts, device infection remains a critical problem, which causes significant physical and emotional burden to the patient. The aim of this review is to broaden the discussion of best practices by not only examining practices in urology, but additionally delving into the field of orthopedic surgery to identify techniques and approaches that may be applied to penile prothesis surgery.

Sustained Glycemic Control Observed in Diabetic Men Who Improve Hemoglobin A1c Values to Allow for Elective Penile Prosthesis Placement

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesize that men with diabetes mellitus whose inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation is delayed for unacceptably high hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) will have durable improvements in their glycemic control after achieving acceptable HbA1c levels for surgery.

METHODS

Per institutional protocol, an A1c <9% must be documented prior to IPP placement. After IRB approval, a single surgeon IPP database was retrospectively queried for data specific to diabetes mellitus management. Men without HbA1c values at ≥1-year follow-up were excluded. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to assess associations with sustained HbA1c control.

RESULTS

From January 2011 to March 2019, 138 diabetics undergoing IPP were identified. Thirty-seven were excluding for insufficient follow-up. Nineteen of the 101 analyzed men (18.8%) were delayed a median 4 months (range 2-17) for elevated HbA1c values (median 10.1, range 9.1-12.3). Following improvements, median preoperative HbA1c remained higher (8.2% vs 7.0%) in delayed men (P < .001). Among delayed recipients, 11 (58%) improved without medication changes while insulin was newly initiated (5) or dosage was increased (5) in 42%. At 32 months follow-up, a HbA1c <9% was similarly maintained in delayed and nondelayed men (74% vs 87%, P = .17). Delayed men more commonly required insulin therapy at follow-up (89.5% vs 54.9%, P = .008), but had a similar median change in BMI (+0.1 vs +0.1, P = .65). Device infection occurred in 1 nondelayed patient (0.7%).

CONCLUSION

Men who improve HbA1c for IPP surgery are likely to demonstrate persistent improvement. IPP implantation appears to be safe in diabetic men with HbA1c <9%.

Analysis of satisfaction and surgical outcomes of a major ambulatory surgery program for penile implant

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Penile prosthesis (PP) surgery is performed in many institutions as an inpatient procedure. We have recently initiated a major ambulatory surgery (MAS) program, thus reducing the hospital stay. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, complications and satisfaction of the implantation of outpatient surgery PP program in our hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective observational study evaluating the results and satisfaction of PP implanted as an outpatient procedure in Bellvitge University Hospital during 2018.

RESULTS

During 2018 we implanted 49 PP: 27 (55%) inpatient surgeries vs. 22 (45%) outpatient surgeries. Of these 22, 2 (9%) were second implants. All patients underwent both general anesthesia and crural, proximal dorsal nerve and transversus abdominis plane block (TAP). Complication rates between inpatient and outpatient procedures were similar, 2 (7%) and 1 (5%), respectively, without reporting infections or requiring PP removal. Postoperatively, a satisfaction telephone survey was conducted in 19 (86%) patients: 16 (84%) considered the time of hospital stay as appropriate, 15 (79%) would have preferred to be operated again in an outpatient care setting and 15 (79%) would recommend it. The patients' main concerns were related to being at home with no medical assistance at home and about coming back the next day for drainage removal. All patients reported well-controlled pain without requiring opioid intake in any case.

CONCLUSIONS

In our series, PP implantation in an ambulatory care setting is feasible and safe. Although there are some aspects that should be improved, the program showed acceptable satisfaction rates and an adequate postoperative pain control, neither raising the administration of opioids, nor increasing complications and re-admission rates.

Shaeer's Punch Technique: Transcorporeal Peyronie's Plaque Surgery and Penile Prosthesis Implantation

BACKGROUND

Penile prosthesis implantation in cases of severe Peyronie's disease may require plaque excision/incision and grafting, which may require mobilization of the neurovascular bundle or urethra, posing the risks of penile hyposensitivity or urethral injury, and is time-consuming, possibly increasing infection risk.

AIM

Evaluating transcorporeal debulking of Peyronie's plaques by "Shaeer's punch technique."

METHODS

Penile prosthesis implantation and punch technique (PPI-Punch) was performed for 26 patients. After corporotomy and dilatation, Peyronie's plaques were punched out from within the corpora cavernosa using the punch forceps, and then a penile prosthesis was implanted. Comparison to a matching retrospective group of 18 patients operated upon by plaque excision-grafting and penile prosthesis implantation was performed.

OUTCOMES

The study outcomes were straightness of the erect penis, complication, satisfaction with length on a 5-point scale, the International Index of Erectile Function-5, and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire.

RESULTS

Average preoperative curvature angle was 58.1 ± 11.7 in the Punch group and 58 ± 14.8 in the excision-grafting group, p=0.99. After surgery, all patients had a straight penis. No tunical perforations, urethral injuries, or extrusions were noted. Average additional operative time for Punch technique ranged from 5 to 10 minutes (7.3 ± 1.7), in contrast to the excision-grafting group where plaque surgery duration was 50.8 minutes ± 11.1, an 85% difference, p < 0.0001. Septal plaques in the latter group could not be removed. In the PPI-Punch group, penile sensitivity was preserved in all patients, compared with the excision/grafting group, with 7 of 18 patients reporting hyposthesia of the glans. Infection occurred in 1 of 26 patients in the PPI-Punch group, compared with 2 of 18 patients in the excision/grafting group. Satisfaction with length on a 5-point scale was 3.8 ± 0.9 in the punch group, versus 3.1 ± 1.1 in the excision-grafting group, p=0.009.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The proposed technique is minimally invasive and prompt, possibly decreasing the known complications of plaque surgery and PPI including sensory loss.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

One limitation is the inability to accurately measure preoperative erect length in patients with erectile dysfunction with poor response to intracavernous injections.

CONCLUSION

Shaeer's punch technique is a minimally invasive procedure for transcorporeal excavation of Peyronie's plaques before penile prosthesis implantation, omitting the need for mobilization of the neurovascular bundle or spongiosum, and hence, there is low or no risk for nerve or urethral injury and brief plaque surgery time. Shaeer O, Soliman Abdelrahman IF, Mansour M, et al. Shaeer's Punch Technique: Transcorporeal Peyronie's Plaque Surgery and Penile Prosthesis Implantation. J Sex Med 2020;17:1395-1399.

Satisfaction and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation for drug-refractory erectile dysfunction: mid-term results in a single center French cohort

INTRODUCTION

To investigate the mid-term results of penile prosthesis (PP) implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) from a "real-life" historic cohort in a French academic center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients receiving an inflatable PP between 2004 and 2014 in our institution were included in this study. ED was assessed preoperatively using the IEEF-5 questionnaire. Postoperative satisfaction with the PP was assessed using the EDITS questionnaire at each follow up visit. Postoperative complications were classed according to the Clavien classification. Surgical and functional outcomes were recorded prospectively.

RESULTS

Seventy-six men received a PP during the 10 year study period. Median (IQR) age was 62 (58-69) years. The main causes of ED were radical prostatectomy (n = 40; 53%) and diabetes mellitus (n = 28; 36.8%). Five patients (6.6%) had a non-functioning PP in place requiring complete substitution or a previous penile implant which had already been removed at the time of surgery. Sixty-nine (90.8%) patients received an AMS 700 CX device and seven (9.2%) a Coloplast Titan. The surgical approach was penoscrotal in 45 (59.2%) and infrapubic in 31 (40.8%). Intraoperative complications occurred in four (5%) patients, without compromising the intervention. Postoperative complications occurred in 27 (35.5%) patients: 17 (22%) were Clavien I-II and 10 (15%) Clavien III. All major complications resulted in prosthesis removal (n = 9; 11.8%) or revision (n = 1; 1.3%). Median (IQR) follow up was 43 (34-55) months. At the end of follow up, 70 (92.1%) patients had a functional implant. Fifty-four (71.1%) patients were satisfied with the device at the 6 month follow up visit and beyond. Early satisfaction (at 3 months) was reported by 44 (57.9%) patients. A previous PP was the only significant risk factor for prosthesis removal (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

PP implantation is a safe and satisfactory treatment for ED. However, patient selection remains crucial in determining the post-surgical success of this procedure.

Long-Term Follow-Up After Penile Prosthesis Implantation-Survival and Quality of Life Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Hydraulic penile prostheses have shown an overall good mechanical reliability up to 10 years after surgery; however, few data have been published on very long-term follow-up.

AIM

We looked at long-term (≥15 years) complications, including functional and quality of life (QoL) outcomes, after 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODS

Data regarding 149 patients submitting to IPP placement before 2001 were analyzed. All patients were implanted with AMS CX and Ultrex Plus 3-piece prostheses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Patients were reassessed to evaluate rates of complications and functional outcomes. The validated questionnaire Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis (QoLSPP) was used to assess patient QoL. Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the probability of prosthesis survival (defined as working device/not-explanted).

RESULTS

Median follow-up of 51 patients was 206 months (interquartile range [IQR], 145-257). The etiology of ED was vasculogenic (n = 20; 39%), Peyronie's disease (n = 15; 29%), pelvic surgery (n = 4; 7.8%), organic other than vasculogenic (n = 3; 5.9%), or other (n = 9; 18%). Throughout the follow-up, 24 patients (49%) experienced complications: mechanical failure (n = 19; 79%), pain (n = 3; 12%), orgasmic dysfunctions (n = 1; 4.5%), or device infection (n = 1; 4.5%). The estimated IPP survival was 53% (95% CI, 36-67) at 20-year follow-up. Baseline characteristics (age, Charlson comorbidity index, body mass index, and erectile dysfunction etiology) were not significantly associated with the risk of IPP failure over time by Cox regression analysis. At 20-year follow-up, 41% (95% CI, 19-49) of the patients were still using the device. Among them, QoLSPP median domain scores were high: functional 22/25 (IQR, 20-23), relational 17/20 (IQR, 15-18), personal 14/15 (IQR, 12-15), and social 14/15 (IQR, 11-15).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The longevity of the device and long-term satisfaction rates should be comprehensively discussed during patient consultation for IPP surgery.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting long-term QoL outcomes using a dedicated questionnaire for penile prostheses. The low response rate for the telephone interviews, the retrospective design of the study, and the relatively small number of patients are the main limitations.

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up data after IPP placement showed that almost half of the devices still worked properly 20 years after the original penile implant, as 60% of patients were still using the device with high satisfaction and adequate QoL outcomes. Both patients and physicians should be aware of the expected life and outcomes of IPP implants. Chierigo F, Capogrosso P, Dehò, et al. Long-Term Follow-Up After Penile Prosthesis Implantation-Survival and Quality of Life Outcomes. J Sex Med 2019;16:1827-1833.

Infection following penile prosthesis placement at an academic training center remains low despite involvement of surgeons-in-training

Purpose

Primary care providers harbor misconceptions regarding penile prosthetic surgery, largely overestimating the rate of infection. Rates of infection following surgery for primary placement and revision are estimated as 1% to 3% and 10% to 18%, respectively. Our objective was to determine the contemporary incidence of infection following inflatable penile prostheses surgery at an academic training center where surgeons-in-training are routinely involved.

Materials and Methods

Review of a prospectively collected single-surgeon database was performed. All cases of inflatable penile prostheses placement from January 2011 through June 2017 were reviewed. Information regarding training level of assistant surgeon(s) was collected, and follow-up data was compiled regarding postoperative infections and need for revision surgery.

Results

Three hundred nine cases meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Mean patient age was 64.2 years, and mean follow-up was 28.7 months. Distribution involved 257 (83.2%) for primary placement, 45 (14.6%) for removal/replacement, and 7 (2.3%) in setting of prior device removal. Diabetes was noted in 31.1% of men. Surgeon-in-training involvement was noted in 100% of cases. Infection was confirmed in a patient who had skin breakdown over an area of corporal reconstruction with polytetrafluoroethylene. The overall postoperative infection rate was 0.3%.

Conclusions

In this series from an academic training center, infection following penile prosthetic surgery is low, similar to other centers of excellence, even with 100% involvement of surgeons-in-training. This data should be used to better inform primary care providers and members of the general public potentially interested in restoration of sexual function.

Proximal Corporal Perforation During Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Prevention, Recognition, and Review of Historical and Novel Management Strategies

BACKGROUND

Proximal corporal perforation at time of dilation, although rare, may occur due to factors related to patient anatomy, presence of intra-cavernosal fibrosis, and/or surgical technique.

AIM

To describe tools and techniques designed to prevent and identify proximal corporal perforation, and maneuvers to minimize the risk of subsequent cylinder migration once proximal perforation has been recognized, such that the operation may proceed and result in an acceptable outcome.

METHODS

We discuss tips for prevention, recognition, and management of proximal corporal perforation by presenting a review of the literature as well as our preferences based on a high-volume experience with penile prosthesis surgery.

OUTCOMES

Described techniques aim to minimize risk of cylinder migration in the absence of true proximal repair.

RESULTS

Although proximal perforation may be obvious at times, particularly with a sudden loss of resistance during dilation, discrepant corporal measurements and/or dissimilar proximal deflection of the dilator should also increase the index of suspicion. Numerous techniques have been employed to theoretically reduce the risk of cylinder migration in the setting of proximal corporal perforation. These include formal corporal repair (historical), windsock repairs with non-absorbable grafts, absorbable plugs, and suture fixation of the rear tip extender or shod material covering implant tubing.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION

Intra-operative recognition of proximal corporal perforation, coupled with understanding of surgical strategies to minimize the risk of future device migration, may allow completion of an operation that still results in an optimal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Techniques described to prevent proximal migration are not strongly evidence-based, but rooted in logic and supported by high-volume implanters. Intra-operative perforation of the proximal corpora, although rare, can threaten the success of penile implant surgery, though the techniques described herein have been developed to mitigate the potential for subsequent device migration, allowing surgery to proceed and to achieve the desired clinical result. Pearlman AM, Terlecki RP. Proximal Corporal Perforation During Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Prevention, Recognition, and Review of Historical and Novel Management Strategies. J Sex Med 2018;15:1055-1060.

Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement, Scratch Technique and Postoperative Vacuum Therapy as a Combined Approach to Definitive Treatment of Peyronie's Disease

PURPOSE

Peyronie's disease is a devastating condition resulting in penile malformation, erectile dysfunction, pain and emotional distress. In this prospective, 2 institution study we evaluated a multimodal surgical and mechanical combined approach to the definitive treatment of Peyronie's disease and concomitant erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 145 select patients underwent endocavernous disruption of Peyronie's disease plaques via the scratch technique, followed by inflatable penile prosthesis insertion. Postoperatively patients were assigned to vacuum device therapy for 3 minutes twice daily to continue penile curvature correction. Followup continued for 1 year after surgery. Anatomical and functional results were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients with plaques in the proximal third, middle third and subcoronal areas of the penis had a mean ± SD postoperative residual curvature of 21.5 ± 4.5, 17.3 ± 4.8 and 14.1 ± 3.1 degrees, respectively. After 24 weeks of vacuum therapy the mean penile curvature deviation decreased to 8.7 ± 2.5, 9.1 ± 2.9 and 7.7 ± 0.9 degrees, respectively. The mean IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function) score was 9.8 ± 2.3 preoperatively, 18.9 ± 3.1 at 6 months (p <0.001) and 24.1 ± 3.6 at 1 year (p <0.001). The mean EDITS (Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction) score at the end of followup was 64.6 ± 11.8. Operative and postoperative complications were minimal.

CONCLUSIONS

Our novel combination of intraoperative and postoperative therapies in the treatment of patients with Peyronie's disease and an inflatable penile prosthesis was safe and efficacious with excellent functional outcomes. Penile curvature corrections were statistically significant and complications were negligible.

Penoscrotal versus minimally invasive infrapubic approach for inflatable penile prosthesis placement: a single-center matched-pair analysis

PURPOSE

To compare perioperative results, safety and efficacy profile in patients receiving inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) via penoscrotal (PS) or minimally invasive infrapubic (MII) approach for erectile dysfunction.

METHODS

A matched-pair analysis was performed including 42 patients undergoing IPP implantation via PS (n = 21) or MII (n = 21) between 2011 and 2016. Clinical and surgical data were prospectively collected. Patients' and partners' outcomes were assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and Quality of Life and Sexuality with Penile Prosthesis (QoLSPP) questionnaires.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) operative time was 128 (40.6) min in group PS and 91 (43.0) min in group MII (p = 0.041). Complications occurred in 3/21 (14%) and 2/21 (10%) patients in groups PS and MII (p = 0.832). Overall, no differences were observed concerning the device utilisation (p = 0.275). However, in group MII 4/21 (19%) patients were able to resume sexual activity prior to 4 postoperative weeks, while in group PS no patient was (p = 0.012). Mean (SD) scores for questionnaires were similar between groups PS and MII: IIEF [20.9 (7.3) vs. 20.7 (4.8); p = 0.132], patient EDITS [76.0 (25.6) vs. 74.7 (20.8); p = 0.256] and partner EDITS [72.5 (29.1) vs. 73.1 (21.4); p = 0.114]. Similarly, QoLSPP showed comparable results among the groups PS and MII: functional domain [3.9 (1.4) vs. 4.0 (1.2); p = 0.390], personal [4.0 (1.2) vs. 4.1 (1.0); p = 0.512], relational [3.7 (1.5) vs. 3.9 (1.2); p = 0.462] and social [4.0 (1.2) vs. 3.9 (1.2); p = 0.766].

CONCLUSIONS

PS and MII demonstrated to be safe and efficient techniques, leading to high level of both patients and partners satisfaction. Additionally, the minimally invasive infrapubic approach showed a shorter operative time and a tendency for a faster return to sexual activity.

Association of the modified frailty index with adverse outcomes after penile prosthesis implantation

OBJECTIVES

To investigate frailty as a predictor of surgical outcome in elderly patients undergoing penile prosthesis implantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 54 elderly patients, above 60 years of age, underwent penile prosthesis implantation between 2012 and 2014. Their data were collected and retrospectively analyzed. A modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated for each patient based on 11 risk factors from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Frailty Index. The 1-year adverse outcomes were correlated with mFI, patients' and procedure's risk factors.

RESULTS

Mean age was 64.9 ± 5.2 years. No mortality was reported in our patients, however, one-year adverse outcomes were encountered in 43 (79.6%) patients. Among all studied variables, the 1-year adverse outcomes was not significantly association with mFI, but with preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (p = 0.031) and associated Peyronie's disease (PD) (p = 0.000). HbA1c, dyslipidemia, hypertension, PD and duration of the procedure were predictive of infection complications (p < 0.05). Only PD and HbA1c sustained an independent significant impact.

CONCLUSIONS

mFI is not a predictive of post-penile prosthesis implantation adverse outcomes in elderly patients with impotence. Degree of diabetic control and association with PD was associated with the 1-year adverse outcomes and infection complications.

Impact of Surgeon Case Volume on Reoperation Rates after Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery

PURPOSE

We investigated the impact of surgeon annual case volume on reoperation rates after inflatable penile prosthesis surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was queried for inflatable penile prosthesis cases from 1995 to 2014. Multivariate proportional hazards regression was performed to estimate the impact of surgeon annual case volume on inflatable penile prosthesis reoperation rates. We stratified our analysis by indication for reoperation to determine if surgeon volume had a similar effect on infectious and noninfectious complications.

RESULTS

A total of 14,969 men underwent inflatable penile prosthesis insertion. Median followup was 95.1 months (range 0.5 to 226.7) from the time of implant. The rates of overall reoperation, reoperation for infection and reoperation for noninfectious complications were 6.4%, 2.5% and 3.9%, respectively. Implants placed by lower volume implanters were more likely to require reoperation for infection but not for noninfectious complications. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that compared with patients treated by surgeons in the highest quartile of annual case volume (more than 31 cases per year), patients treated by surgeons in the lowest (0 to 2 cases per year), second (3 to 7 cases per year) and third (8 to 31 cases per year) annual case volume quartiles were 2.5 (p <0.001), 2.4 (p <0.001) and 2.1 (p=0.01) times more likely to require reoperation for inflatable penile prosthesis infection, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated by higher volume implanters are less likely to require reoperation after inflatable penile prosthesis insertion than those treated by lower volume surgeons. This trend appears to be driven by associations between surgeon volume and the risk of prosthesis infection.

[Penile implants is a good last treatment option in erectile dysfunction]

When other treatments fail, penile implants represent the last treatment option in erectile dysfunction. The most commonly used implant is the inflatable three-piece device, which allows the penis to be rigid for sexual intercourse and flaccid during the remaining time. Earlier penile implants were associated with high rates of infection and mechanical malfunction. However, technical improvements have greatly reduced these problems. This has resulted in a patient satisfaction rate of 80-90% in most studies. Thus, penile implants are a valid option in motivated patients with erectile dysfunction.

High submuscular versus space of Retzius placement of inflatable penile prosthesis reservoirs: results of a surgeon survey

INTRODUCTION

High submuscular (HSM) inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reservoir insertion is a new technique that involves placing the reservoir high beneath the muscles of the abdominal wall. We queried a variety of surgeons to assess their impressions of how HSM reservoir placement compares with traditional space of Retzius (SOR) placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A nationwide group of urologists trained in HSM reservoir placement was surveyed to assess preferences and concerns compared to SOR placement. Using a Likert scale survey, we compared HSM to traditional SOR placement with regard to ease of implementation, surgical preference, and patient safety. Results were analyzed according to numbers of implants performed by the surgeons.

RESULTS

A total of 25 urologists from eight states participated in this survey (12 residents and 13 attending surgeons). Overall, surgeons report that HSM placement is safer (p < 0.001). The participants believed it conveyed lower risk to visceral (p < 0.001) and vascular (p < 0.001) structures. Moreover it was easier to learn (p = 0.008) and to teach (p = 0.002). The majority (17/25, 68%) prefer HSM reservoir placement, while 4/25 (16%) are neutral, and 4/25 (16%) prefer SOR. Among high volume implanters (> 20 implants/year), 7/9 (78%) prefer the HSM technique and report that it is safer (p = 0.001) with lower risk of visceral (p = 0.010) and vascular (p < 0.001) injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Urologists trained in HSM reservoir placement report that this technique is readily implemented, strongly preferred, and safer for patients.

Late complications of spontaneous urethral erosion of a malleable penile prosthesis in a young patient

While oral agents are currently suggested for the initial treatment of erectile dysfunction, penile prosthesis implantation (malleable or inflatable) is accepted as a third-line therapy if intracorporeal injection and intraurethral treatment fail as a secondary choice. Urethral erosion of the malleable penile prosthesis is a well-known complication, mostly due to the indwelling catheter. We report a case of urethral erosion of the malleable penile prosthesis after 23 years. The patient was a 45-year-old man without any underlying risk factors. He subsequently underwent a unilateral rod extraction under regional anaesthesia. It appears that urethral erosion of penile prostheses can appear at any time post operation, without any known facilitative factors and in any age group. Furthermore, simple office manoeuvres may not be possible in some patients.

Distal urethral reconstruction with AlloDerm: a case report and review of the literature

Reconstruction of large urethral defects is a complex problem for which no standardized surgical guidelines exist due to the lack of clinical trials demonstrating definitively the superiority of one technique over another. AlloDerm has been used in other surgical specialties with success, however, its utility in urologic surgery and, more specifically, for urethral reconstruction has been limited. In this case report, we demonstrate its application in a single-staged closure of a significant anterior urethral defect following distal penile necrosis secondary to an extruded penile prosthesis in a diabetic patient.

[Erectile dysfunction: choice of the treatment method]

The 15-year clinical experience with falloendoprosthetic operations (FEPO) in patients with erectile dysfunction is reviewed including algorithm of diagnostic examination, prostheses of different generations, indications and contraindications for falloendoprosthetic surgery. The results of 117 FEPO are outlined with special emphasis on 19 cases of postoperative complications. The conclusion is made that FEPO is most effective in erectile dysfunction by the presented criteria of the erectile dysfunction treatment efficacy.

Gangrene of the distal penis after implantation of malleable penile prosthesis in a diabetic patient

We present a rare clinical case of distal penile gangrene in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus after the implantation of malleable penile prosthesis. Necrosis of the glans penis, urethral meatus, dorsal penile shaft, and corpora cavernosa was observed, and a distal penectomy was performed.

Penile prosthesis implantation for treatment of postpriapism erectile dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Our aim was to evaluate the procedure and outcome of penile prosthesis surgery in the treatment of men with postpriapism erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During the period between 1997 and 2004, a total of 17 patients with postpriapism erectile dysfunction underwent penile prosthesis implantation at our institution. Prosthesis implantation was done electively 6 to 18 months after priapism, when the patients presented with erectile dysfunction. Of the prosthesis implanted, 11 were malleable, 4 were 2-piece, and 2 were 3-piece prostheses (AMS, Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA).

RESULTS

All the 17 patients were successfully implanted with penile prosthesis. Intra-operatively, corporeal dilation was difficult due to extensive corporeal fibrosis, which led to urethral injury in 2 patients. There were no major postoperative complications. The median hospital stay was 5 days. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 9 years (median, 6 years). All the patients were satisfied with the prosthesis.

CONCLUSION

Penile prosthesis implantation is the modality of treatment for patients with postpriapism erectile dysfunction at our institution. It has a high patient satisfaction rate. Although procedure-related complications are common due to corporeal fibrosis, they were mostly minor ones and did not affect the outcome of the procedure.

Removal of a detached head of the Brooks dilator from the corpora cavernosa during penile prosthesis implantation

INTRODUCTION

Several complications during and after penile implantation have been reported. The most difficult part of the procedure seems to be the dilatation of the corpora, especially in fibrotic cases.

AIM

To report a rare intraoperative complication during dilatation of the corpora and its management.

METHODS

During dilation of the corpora cavernosa with Brooks dilators for the implantation of penile prosthesis, its head was detached and stuck at the tip of the corpus cavernosum. Several trials to remove the head of the dilator using different kinds of clamps were unsuccessful. Finally, an incision was performed to the distal lateral part of the corpora cavernosa and the head of the dilator was removed. Implantation was completed uneventfully.

RESULTS

The patient instructed to inflate the prosthesis and use it for sexual intercourse after 6 weeks. Follow-up was 14 months and the patient is using properly the prosthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this is a very rare complication not previously described, we recommend examination of the dilators before use.

Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Review of Prosthetic Devices and Associated Complications

INTRODUCTION

Although more invasive than some of the other currently available therapies, penile prosthesis surgery has the advantages of high patient satisfaction rates and avoidance of systemic adverse events in the vast majority of cases.

AIM

This article provides a review of the more widely used implants and some of the more frequently encountered complications of penile prosthesis surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective review peer reviewed publications relevant to the field of penile prosthesis surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Review of historical milestones and newer penile prostheses, as well as a review of prosthesis surgery complications.

RESULTS

Improved designs and materials have resulted in decreased incidence of mechanical failures or infectious complications while simultaneously simplifying the operation of these devices.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile prosthesis surgery remains an excellent alternative for restoring erectile function to those in whom medical therapies such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors are contraindicated or who have failed more conservative measures.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—SURGERY: Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction Associated with Penile Prosthesis Revision Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Complications that arise after placement of a penile prosthesis may result in the need for revision surgery. Few contemporary penile prosthesis series have focused solely on describing the efficacy and patient satisfaction associated with penile prosthesis revision surgery.

AIM

To determine the overall success of penile prosthesis revision surgery in providing the patient with a functional implant. Device efficacy and patient satisfaction with penile prosthesis revision surgery will be assessed using psychometrically validated instruments.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The erectile function (EF) and satisfaction domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were used to quantify the overall efficacy and patient satisfaction with revision surgery.

METHODS

Data were derived from a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing penile prosthesis revision surgery performed by a single surgeon (B.R.K.). Eleven patients filled out the IIEF prior to surgery and 26 completed it following surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine consecutive patients underwent 55 revision procedures related to a prior penile prosthesis. Thirty-four patients (87%) have a functional implant with a median follow-up of 6.5 months (range 1-42 months). Significant improvements in the overall IIEF, EF domain, and satisfaction domain were seen in those patients studied prior to and following revision surgery. The total IIEF, EF domain, and satisfaction domain of the IIEF for the group of 26 responders were 60.7 +/- 19.3, 26.6 +/- 8.7, and 15.7 +/- 5.6, respectively. Patients with fibrotic corporal bodies scored significantly lower on the EF and satisfaction domains than did any other group.

CONCLUSIONS

Penile prosthesis revision surgery is highly successful in providing men with a functional implant. The prostheses function well and patients are satisfied with their devices. Further study of those men with corporal fibrosis is warranted in order to determine the factors needed to improve their overall satisfaction with revision surgery.