Have phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors changed the indications for penile implants?

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the indications for penile prosthesis implantation in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) before and after the introduction of sildenafil. PATIENTS AND METHODS Penile prosthesis implantation was indicated in 144 men with ED at our institution between 1992 and 2007; 83 (55.6%) accepted the procedure, 55 (38.2%) refused it and six (4.2%) accepted but eventually had no surgery. Sixty-seven patients were operated primarily, and the remainder were referred cases with complications after or dissatisfaction with primary operations done elsewhere. Thirty-two were operated before the introduction of sildenafil (BS) and 35 after (AS). RESULTS In the BS group the most frequent aetiology was vascular disease, with 11(34%) vs two (6%) in the AS group. The most frequent aetiology in the AS group was previous radical pelvic surgery (radical prostatectomy, sigmoidectomy, etc.) with 17 (49%) vs none in the BS group. There were no significant differences in complication rates in both groups. Satisfaction rates in patients with malleable and inflatable devices were 36 (86%) and 17 (85%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS After the introduction of oral therapy for ED there were some changes in the aetiology of refractory ED; ED after radical prostatectomy is gaining acceptance as the main reason for a penile implant.