[Penile prosthetic implant in the treatment of impotence: our experience]

The aim of this study was to review the current situation of penile prostheses in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and to analyze the indications, degree of acceptability and complications in our experience. From 1987 to 1993, 35 implants were inserted in men suffering from impotence due to different etiologies. The mean age was 54 years and the mean duration of erectile dysfunction was 37 months. Diabetes, vascular disease and pelvic surgery were the most common pathologies recorded. We utilized the penoscrotal approach in 97.14% of the cases and implanted the following prostheses: 12 Hydroflex, 7 Uniflate 1000, 6 Acuform, 4 Mark II, 3 Dynaflex and 3 Alpha 1. The mean follow-up was 38 months. Infection of the prosthesis by Staph. epidermidis was observed in 5.71% of the cases. This infectious complication required removal of the prosthesis. Two patients with a Uniflate prosthesis complained of mechanical failure. Eighty percent of the patients and 74.28% of their partners were satisfied with the results. When asked if they would undergo another operation again if it were necessary, 71.42% answered "yes". Penile prostheses have withstood the test of time and continue to be an effective and valid therapeutic alternative in impotent men. Although the complication rate is low, adequate information must be provided to the patient and partner in order to enhance the results.