Follow-up of patients and partners experiencing penile prosthesis malfunction and corrective surgery

An interview study is reported involving 14 men who had experienced at least one penile prosthesis malfunction and corrective surgery. Six partners were interviewed separately. The results indicated a broad range of coping patterns in terms of fears and disappointments, but an overall outcome of six cases very satisfactory, five satisfactory despite various worries or complaints, and three unsatisfactory. The discussion emphasizes coping, doctor-patient communication, and difficulties in predicting long-term outcome in these cases.