Salvage of the eroded inflatable penile prosthesis: a new concept

Most surgeons consider erosion of any component of an inflatable penile prosthesis as an indication for total device removal. However, it has been our contention that in selected cases conservative management can be used and the device can be salvaged. In 32 patients with erosion of various device components we performed conservative salvage techniques, consisting of immediate component replacement, repositioning of the eroded component or removal of only the eroded component in conjunction with closed drainage and antibiotic irrigation. Early success with device salvage resulted in the development of a rigid protocol for patient selection and management. Salvage techniques were successful in 16 of 22 cases of scrotal pump erosion and in all 8 cases of reservoir erosion. In 2 cases of cylinder erosion salvage attempts failed.