Permanent Deactivation of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis via Puncture

To describe our technique and early results for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) deactivation via puncture and drainage in the office setting to avoid penile explanting interventions in high-risk surgical patients.

A retrospective chart review of patients with high perioperative risk who had undergone IPP prosthesis puncture in the office setting between March 2020 and May 2021 was performed. Variables included age, the reason for penile prosthesis implantation and deactivation, time frame from implantation to deactivation, type of penile implant, follow-up time, and complications. Clinical information and procedural consent from patients with mental impairment were obtained from caretakers or legal guardians.

In all the cases, the implants were in a good position and cycled well without difficulty before undergoing the drainage. Ten patients underwent the deactivation procedure, with ages ranging from 81 to 93 years old (mean 88 ± 3.74), 9 cases had a dementia diagnosis, and 1 case of penile implant aversion. Mean follow-up was 8.4 months ± 2.3, and there were no reported complications during the follow-up period.

Permanent deactivation of IPP via in-office puncture and drainage represents a safe, feasible, and reliable option for those patients with multiple comorbidities and caretakers who desire removal of normally cycling, well-positioned, and uninfected penile implants. We strongly recommend all our patients with severe cognitive decline have their implants devices punctured to prevent any potential complications.