[12 years experience with semi-rigid intracavernous implants. Indications and results]

Since 1976, 782 impotent patients were explored in our Center. Ninety-nine underwent an implantation of Dow-Corning semi-rigid prosthesis. Indications are reviewed and results analysed taking into consideration specific criteria to evaluate the new sexuality. On the whole, the impression is favorable for men, less enthusiastic for women, but with a possible adaptation. Persisting erection around the prosthesis in 73% of the cases justifies this inert prosthesis and which is simple, low cost, easy to insert. These qualities must be taken into consideration in regard of expensive inflatable prosthesis reserved to a small number of patients in our country.