An inflatable penile prosthesis for treatment of diabetic impotence

Surgical results have improved considerably since the first implantation of the inflatable penile prosthesis in 1973. The incidence of infection appears to be less than 2% and the overall success rate greater than 95%. With strict attention to details of preoperative preparation and to asepsis, the incidence of infection is probably no greater in the diabetic patient. Although there will always be mechanical problems with this more sophisticated device, the ease with which these problems can be corrected and the advantages of having natural erections, as well as flaccidity, makes the inflatable prosthesis the most desirable treatment for organic impotence.