Simultaneous Suprapubic Lipectomy and Penile Prosthesis Implantation

Abstract

IntroductionA shorter penis is a frequent complaint following penile prosthesis implantation (PPI), and a large redundant suprapubic fat pad can conceal the penis and possibly compromise patient and partner satisfaction with length. AimTo evaluate feasibility and outcome of same-session, same-incision, PPI and suprapubic lipectomy (SPL). MethodsIn 22 patients, SPL was performed through an abdominal crease incision. Through the same incision, the superficial perineal pouch was opened to gain access to the base of the penis. Penile prosthesis was implanted (semirigid in 16 patients and girth-expanding 3-piece inflatable in 6). Scarpa’s fascia, subcutaneous fat, and the abdominal crease skin incision were closed. Main Outcome MeasureEvaluation was in terms of implant survival, preoperative vs postoperative patient and partner satisfaction with penile length on a 5-point rating scale, subjective opinion over penile length postoperatively, compared with recall of erect length before erectile dysfunction (ED) had set in (longer, same, or shorter), and penile length with the implant rigid, compared in the supine and standing positions postoperatively (pubic skin to tip, using a rigid ruler). ResultsNo infections or extrusions or mechanical failures were encountered. There was a 53.3% increase in patient satisfaction with length comparing preoperative (2.55 ± 0.67) to postoperative (4.77 ± 0.43) ratings, P < .0001. Partner satisfaction showed a 40.2% increase, from 1.77 ± 0.61 to 4.41 ± 0.50, P < .0001. 19 of 22 patients reported that postoperative length was longer than their recall of erect length before ED had set in, and 3 patients reported that length was the same. With the implant rigid, there was no statistically significant difference in visible length between the supine and standing positions (14.1 cm ± 2.3 and 13.9 cm ± 2.3, respectively, P = .38). Clinical ImplicationsPatients with refractory ED and a concealed penis can be counseled as to the option of simultaneous SPL and PPI (SPL-PPI), a modification that may help avoid patient and partner dissatisfaction with length. Strength & LimitationsStrengths include objective evaluation of the efficacy of the procedure by comparing supine and standing penile length. Limitations of the current study include inability to evaluate erect length preoperatively owing to refractory ED, and subjectivity of patient and partner opinion. ConclusionSame-incision SPL-PPI appears to be a safe and effective procedure, with high patient and partner satisfaction rates.Shaeer O, Shaeer K, Abdel Rahman IF. Simultaneous suprapubic lipectomy and penile prosthesis implantation. J Sex Med 2018;15:1818–1823.