Penile prosthesis infection: progress in prevention and treatment

Almost four decades ago, modern penile implants were introduced as a treatment of erectile dysfunction. Infection associated with placement of an implant is a feared complication, and fortunately, has become less common due to a number of measures, including antibiotic-coated devices and chlorhexidine-alcohol skin preparation. When an infection around an implant occurs, the device should be removed. An option, termed a salvage (or rescue) procedure, is cleansing the wound with a series of antiseptic solutions and replacing a new prosthesis during the same procedure, with success in the range of 85%. The alternative is to return at a later date to replace the implant. However, the latter approach is associated with a difficult insertion, a shorter erection, and a less satisfied patient. Most patients elected the salvage approach because they were highly motivated to continue sexual activity to have the implant placed initially.