Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
Published on: June 23, 2020
Infection rates of rifampin/gentamicin-coated Titan Coloplast penile implants. Comparison with Inhibizone-impregnated
Chirpriya Dhabuwala1, Sheila Sheth, Brent Zamzow
1Detroit Medical Center-Urology, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. cdhabuwa@dmc.org
Introduction:
It is a common practice to soak Titan(®) Coloplast penile implants in antibiotic solution prior to implantation. Experience with Inhibizone impregnation suggests that rifampin coating significantly reduces infection rates of penile implant surgery. In this article we describe the results of coating Titan Coloplast penile implants with rifampin/gentamicin solution.
Aim:
To compare infection rates of Titan(®) Coloplast penile implants coated with vancomycin/gentamycin, rifampin/gentamicin, and Inhibizone-impregnated American Medical Systems (AMS) penile implants.
Methods:
Chart review was done for all Mentor/Coloplast and AMS implant surgeries performed at our center between the dates January 1, 2002 and February 8, 2010. Infection rates for Titan(®) Coloplast penile implants coated with vancomycin/gentamycin, rifampin/gentamicin, and Inhibizone-impregnated (AMS) penile implants were compared.
Main Outcome Measures:
Infection rates for penile implants coated with different antibiotics.
Results:
Infection rates for Titan(®) Coloplast penile implants coated with vancomycin/gentamycin and Inhibizone-impregnated (AMS) penile implants was 4.4% and 1.3%, respectively (P = 0.05). None of the rifampin/gentamicin-coated Titan(®) Coloplast penile implants have developed infection. Rifampin is the common antibiotic both in rifampin/gentamicin-coated Coloplast implants and Inhibizone(®) . The infection rate in this combined rifampin/gentamicin-coated Titan Coloplast implants and Inhibizone-coated AMS implants group was 0.63% (P = 0.03).
Conclusion:
Both rifampin/gentamicin-coated Titan(®) Coloplast penile implants and Inhibizone-impregnated (AMS) penile implants appear to have lower infection rates compared with vancomycin/gentamycin-coated Titan(®) Coloplast penile implants The present study does not suggest superiority of rifampin/gentamicin-coated Titan(®) Coloplast penile implants or Inhibizone-impregnated (AMS) penile implants but we strongly suggest that all Titan(®) Coloplast penile implants should be coated with rifampin/gentamicin solution.
Insights
Coating Titan penile implants with rifampin/gentamicin significantly reduces infection rates compared to vancomycin/gentamicin. This antibiotic coating strategy is recommended for all Titan penile implants to improve surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Penile implant surgery commonly involves antibiotic soaks.
- Rifampin coating has shown promise in reducing surgical site infections.
- This study evaluates rifampin/gentamicin coating for Titan Coloplast penile implants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare infection rates of Titan Coloplast penile implants coated with vancomycin/gentamicin, rifampin/gentamicin, and Inhibizone-impregnated AMS implants.
- To assess the efficacy of different antibiotic coatings in preventing penile implant infections.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective chart review of penile implant surgeries (Coloplast and AMS) from January 2002 to February 2010.
- Comparison of infection rates among implants with vancomycin/gentamicin, rifampin/gentamicin, and Inhibizone coatings.
Main Results:
- Infection rates were 4.4% for vancomycin/gentamicin-coated Titan implants and 1.3% for Inhibizone-impregnated AMS implants.
- No infections were observed in the rifampin/gentamicin-coated Titan implants.
- A combined analysis of rifampin/gentamicin-coated Titan and Inhibizone-coated AMS implants showed a significantly lower infection rate (0.63%).
Conclusions:
- Rifampin/gentamicin-coated Titan implants and Inhibizone-impregnated AMS implants demonstrate lower infection rates than vancomycin/gentamicin-coated Titan implants.
- While not definitively superior, rifampin/gentamicin coating for Titan implants is strongly recommended.
- Antibiotic coating, particularly with rifampin/gentamicin, is crucial for reducing penile implant infection rates.
Related Concept Videos
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...

