(194) Midline Reservoir Placement of Infrapubic Inflatable Penile Prosthesis: A Step-by-Step Surgical Technique

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Various alternative placements of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) reservoirs have been previously documented, differing from the traditional retroperitoneal placement in the Space of Retzius. Pelvic trauma, history of surgery in the pelvic region, and atypical anatomy can necessitate an alternative location for implantation of the IPP reservoir. The midline placement of the IPP reservoir provides numerous advantages in outcomes, patient experience, and versatility of implantation. This video demonstrates the surgical procedure for midline placement of the IPP reservoir. Objective We outline a surgical technique to place the IPP reservoir in an alternative midline location. Methods The patient was instructed to void his bladder prior to the procedure to circumvent Foley catheter insertion. A 2.5 cm-wide horizontal incision was made 2 finger widths cranially to the dorsal aspect of the base of the penis. The surgeon’s index finger was used for blunt dissection along the linea alba above the pubic tubercles. A tonsil clamp is used to pierce the rectus fascia at the midline, below the arcuate line, to leave a defect just wide enough to accommodate a 70 mm nasal speculum. The surgeon’s finger is used to assess the space to determine if a 9/10 mm Hegar dilator is necessary to expand the avascular space by sweeping it parallel to the fascia. The speculum is inserted and positioned with the blades pointed cranially parallel to the facial axis and the handles pointed superiorly. The reservoir is prepared and delivered into this space using a metal pediatric Yankauer suction tip through the open blades of the nasal speculum. A syringe filled with saline solution is connected to the reservoir tubing, and the fluid is transferred completely to the reservoir and the tubing is clamped. The tubes originating from the reservoir and implant cylinders are both clamped, trimmed to length, and connected to each other in a watertight fashion to permit the bidirectional flow of saline solution. Proper IPP cylinder inflation is tested prior to closing the incision. Results The reservoir is thus safely deployed cranially to the pubic bone and avoids interfering with the urinary bladder. No complications were observed in this patient, and he was discharged on the same day. Conclusions The midline surgical placement of the reservoir during the infrapubic implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis is a safe and effective alternative placement for patients with prior pelvic surgery, injuries, or atypical pelvic anatomy. Patients with compromised pelvic, abdominal, or inguinal regions due to hernia repair, patulous inguinal rings, or dense lateral pelvic scarring stand to benefit the most from this reservoir placement. This procedure outlines the surgical steps of midline reservoir placement for new IPP implantation or relocation during a revision procedure. Disclosure No.