Clinical experience with 180 inflatable penile prostheses

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Organic sexual impotence affects a significant patient population.
• Treatment options for organic sexual impotence include surgical interventions like penile prostheses.
• Patient selection and device choice are critical for successful outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the outcomes of inflatable penile prostheses implantation.
• To assess the complication rates and efficacy of different penile prosthesis models.
• To evaluate the long-term viability of penile implants for treating organic impotence.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 180 inflatable penile prostheses insertions in 167 patients.
• Analysis of patient demographics, prosthesis types (AMS 700, Flexiflate, Mentor Mark II, Mentor Alpha I), and follow-up duration (mean 43.5 months).
• Documentation and categorization of all complications, differentiating between major (requiring reoperation) and minor events.

Main Results:

• The overall complication rate was 17.8% (32 cases), with 24 major complications (infection, malfunction, extrusion) necessitating reoperation.
• Minor complications occurred in 8 cases and did not require surgical intervention.
• Staphylococcus epidermidis was identified as the causative agent in 7 out of 9 infections.

Conclusions:

• Inflatable penile prostheses are a viable treatment for organic sexual impotence.
• Careful patient management and prosthesis selection can lead to successful outcomes.
• While complications can occur, they are often manageable, supporting the role of penile implants in restoring sexual function.