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Penile prosthesis infections

D K Montague1, K W Angermeier, M M Lakin

  • 1Urological Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA. montagd@ccf.org

Insights

Penile prosthesis infection rates were 2.0% in this review of inflatable penile prostheses. Risk factors like diabetes or repeat surgery did not significantly alter infection rates, with most infections occurring early.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Penile prostheses are implanted to treat erectile dysfunction.
  • Infection is a significant complication following penile prosthesis implantation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine infection rates and identify risk factors in recipients of three-piece inflatable penile prostheses.
  • To analyze the timing and common pathogens associated with penile prosthesis infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of computer registry records for 491 patients who received three-piece inflatable penile prostheses between April 1986 and March 1999.
  • Analysis of bacteriological culture reports from medical records to identify causative organisms.
  • Comparison of infection rates between primary and secondary recipients, and between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Main Results:

  • Overall infection rate was 2.0% (10 out of 491 recipients).
  • Infection rates were similar for primary (2.5%) and secondary (1.5%) recipients, and for non-diabetic (2.0%) and diabetic (2.2%) patients; these differences were not statistically significant.
  • Eight of the ten infections occurred within 8 weeks of implantation.
  • Commonly cultured organisms included E. coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staph. aureus, and Bacteroides.

Conclusions:

  • The infection rate for three-piece inflatable penile prostheses is low at 2.0%.
  • Diabetes and prior prosthesis implantation are not significant risk factors for infection.
  • Early detection and intervention are crucial, as most infections manifest within 8 weeks post-implantation.

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