Five-year overview of penile prosthesis implantation: general considerations from real-life practice

Abstract

Objective: Penile prosthesis (PP) is the third-line therapy for erectile dysfunction in patients who do not respond to pharmacotherapy or who prefer a permanent solution to their problem. Even though the satisfaction rate is high, implantation is irreversible, and complications such as infection can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The objective of this study is to provide a 5-year (2018-2022) overview of patients who underwent penile prosthesis implantation, including techniques using both an inflatable penile prosthesis and semirigid prosthesis. Materials and Methods: Aspects of the study include pre-surgical counseling, patient and device selection, operative technique, and special considerations in relation to implantation in complex cases, such as those involving corporal fibrosis, Peyronie’s disease, or revision procedures. Results: This 5-year overview demonstrates that the techniques remain effective and safe (0% infection rate) with a high satisfaction rate (84%) when compared to several prior studies. Better understanding and advancement in surgical techniques provide good outcomes; thus, implantation of a penile prosthesis is a good option for treatment of erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: This 5-year review of PP implantation carried out in 35 patients by a single surgeon shows a very low complication rate after surgery with a high level of patient satisfaction. To maximize the potential for a good outcome, prior to surgery the physical status of patients should be evaluated and counseling is essential. In patients identified as being at a high risk, the implantation team should be prepared for complications using evidence-based data.