Penile prosthesis surgery: Indications and penoscrotal approach

Inflatable penile prosthesis was developed in 1973 as a definitive treatment for erectile dysfunction. Since then these prosthetic devices underwent huge modifications, and scientific and technologic advances were accomplished, improving reliability, longevity and the surgical outcomes. Surgical implantation of a penile prosthesis may be considered in patients with erectile dysfunction who do not respond to pharmacotherapy or who prefer a permanent solution to their problem. According to the 2019 EAU Guidelines, regardless of the indication, prosthesis implantation has one of the highest satisfaction rates (92-100% in patients and 91-95% in partners) among the treatment options for erectile dysfunction based on appropriate consultation. The penoscrotal handling is the most common approach accounting for >80% of inflatable penile prosthesis placed worldwide. Most frequent complaints and dissatisfaction with inflatable penile prosthesis are related to technical issues or poor surgical outcomes such as the final length of the penis. There is an urgent need to improve the patient awareness in inflatable penile prosthesis in the preoperative arena, including the high expectation management, and an effort to select the proper patients for definitive treatment.