Experience with Tube® (Promedon) Malleable Penile Implant

Abstract

Introduction: The main advantages of semirigid penile prosthesis are simple implantation, ease of use, very low risk of mechanical failure and more financial suitability for patients in developing countries. Aim: To evaluate reliability and safety of Tube® (Promedon, Cordoba, Argentina) penile prosthesis in the surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction. Patients and Methods: This retrospective case series was conducted on 83 patients who underwent Tube penile implant surgeries between 2001 and 2006. The choice of Promedon penile implant was determined by the patient himself. Strict infection control measures were applied. Patients were followed up for stability of vital signs and discharged within 72 h. Results: Successful sexual intercourse was possible for 75 (90.4%) of cases. Common postoperative complaintswere: prosthesis too short in 27 cases (32.5%), not happy with the appearance of the penis in 8 cases (9.6%), non-specific pain which subsided spontaneously in 20 cases (24%), in which no further intervention was done apart from reassurance. 79 (95.2%) patients were on regular follow-up for the first year and the rest dropped out. None of the patients experienced prosthetic infection postoperatively. Crural cross-perforation (4%) was managed intraoperatively. Hematomas (1.6%) were managed conservatively. Retarded ejaculation (10%) and penile hypothesia (0.8%) resolved spontaneously within 6 months in all cases. Conclusion: The Promedon malleable penile prosthesis is reliable and safe in the surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction.