Infrapubic approach for inflatable penile prosthesis: Perioperative and long-term outcomes

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Innovation
• Men's Health

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions globally, often requiring penile prosthesis implantation.
• The infrapubic approach offers a potential alternative to the traditional penoscrotal method for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement.
• This study evaluates the infrapubic approach's efficacy and safety in ED treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the perioperative and long-term outcomes of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation using the infrapubic surgical approach.
• To evaluate device survival, complication rates, and patient satisfaction following IPP placement via the infrapubic route.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 116 patients undergoing IPP placement via infrapubic approach (2010-2022).
• Data collection included preoperative, intraoperative, and early postoperative (30-day) complications.
• Long-term outcomes assessed via device survival (Kaplan-Meier), sexual function, and satisfaction.

Main Results:

• A 3.4% infection rate and 9.5% reoperation rate were observed.
• Late device explantation occurred in 3.4% of patients.
• High-volume surgeons were associated with reduced reoperation risk (HR=0.28, p=0.034).

Conclusions:

• The infrapubic approach for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation is a reliable and reproducible surgical technique.
• Long-term outcomes, including device survival and patient satisfaction, appear favorable.
• Further comparative studies are needed to clarify links to glans hypoesthesia.