Penile corporeal reconstruction during difficult placement of a penile prosthesis

A practical overview of considerations for penile prosthesis placement

Penile prostheses have remained the gold-standard therapy for medically refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) since their popularization. Advances in device design and surgical techniques have yielded improved rates of infection, satisfaction, and mechanical survival of devices. Operative techniques in penile prosthesis surgery include the use of adjunctive procedures (such as ventral phalloplasty and release of the suspensory ligament), management of penile fibrosis, and manoeuvres to correct Peyronie's-disease-related curvature. Complications include urethral and corporal perforation, crossover, infection, impending erosion, and/or supersonic transporter deformity. Long-term data regarding mechanical, overall, and infection-free survival demonstrate excellent results, and, given the consistently high satisfaction rates and limited alternatives for medically refractory ED, penile prostheses are likely to remain a relevant and important treatment strategy for the foreseeable future.

Treatments for fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa

Introduction

Corporal fibrosis usually occurs after explantation of an infected penile prosthesis, severe penile trauma, refractory low-flow priapism, Peyronie’s disease, or the chronic intracavernous injection of vasoactive drugs.

Methods

We analysed current treatmentss for penile fibrosis. We searched PubMed using the keywords ’penile corporal fibrosis’, ’treatment’ and ’penile fibrosis’, resulting in 63 matches, of which 19 articles met the inclusion criteria.

Results and conclusions

This review covers conservative medical therapy for corporal fibrosis and surgical therapeutic methods. The roles of phosphodiesterase- 5 inhibitors and pentoxifylline are analysed. Surgical therapy includes implantation of a penile prosthesis and corporal reconstruction, and these are reviewed. Corporal fibrosis is a major problem for patients, and is associated with severe erectile dysfunction. Conservative treatment options can be applicable in the early phase, but simultaneous corporal reconstruction procedures with concomitant implantation of a penile prosthesis should be attempted in severe cases of corporal fibrosis.

Penile reconstruction

During the most recent years, a variety of new techniques of penile reconstruction have been described in the literature. This paper focuses on the most recent advances in male genital reconstruction after trauma, excision of benign and malignant disease, in gender reassignment surgery and aphallia with emphasis on surgical technique, cosmetic and functional outcome.

Simultaneous total corporal reconstruction and implantation of a penile prosthesis in patients with erectile dysfunction and severe fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa

INTRODUCTION

Implantation of a penile prosthesis in severely scarred corporal bodies represents a great challenge as fibrosis can compromise dilatation and subsequent closure of the corpora cavernosa and limit size, type, and function of the device.

AIM

The aim of this study is to report our experience of simultaneous corporeal reconstruction and penile prosthesis implantation in patients with severe penile contracture consequence of diffuse fibrosis.

METHODS

Between March 2006 and February 2010, 18 patients with severe penile contracture and coporeal fibrosis underwent simultaneous corporeal reconstruction and placement of a penile prosthesis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Surgical outcome and complications have been recorded during postoperative follow-up. Patients' satisfaction has been assessed 6 months postoperatively with the administration of the modified erectile dysfunction index of treatment satisfaction questionnaire.

RESULTS

Although the dilatation of the corpora was extremely difficult due to the severe fibrosis, a penile prosthesis has been implanted in all patients. A malleable penile prosthesis has been inserted in four patients and a three-piece inflatable device in the remainder. After an average follow-up of 26 months (range 6-36), revision surgery was required in four patients (elective exchange to three-piece inflatable device in three patients and upsizing of the implant in one patient). Although all patients were able to achieve penetrative sexual intercourse, four patients were partially dissatisfied because of significant penile shortening.

CONCLUSION

In expert hands, simultaneous penile prosthesis implantation and corporal reconstruction of severely scarred corpora yield satisfactory results. Patients must be warned that complication rate in presence of severe fibrosis is significantly higher than in virgin cases and that downsized cylinders might be required due to the contracture of the tunica albuginea.