Outcome analysis of penile implant surgery after external beam radiation for prostate cancer

We evaluated the success and possible complication rates of penile implant surgery in patients who underwent external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

We reviewed the charts of 43 patients who underwent penile implant surgery after radiation therapy for prostate cancer. The type, dose and volume of radiation were assessed. The types of surgical approach and prosthesis as well as complications were recorded. A total of 34 patients was alive and traceable, and 9 were untraceable (7 dead and 2 missing). The 34 traceable patients were interviewed personally or by telephone to evaluate the function of and satisfaction with the penile implant. Followup of the 9 untraceable patients was assessed through a chart review.

A total of 35 patients (81%) received definitive radiation therapy to the prostate and seminal vesicles, and 8 (19%) underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy followed by radiation therapy to the prostatic bed. Mean age at implant surgery was 67 years (range 36 to 83). In the 43 men 46 procedures were done and mean followup was 40 months. None of the patients in this series had infection or erosion. Of the men 24 (71%) use the prosthesis at least once weekly or more for sexual intercourse, 6 (17%) use it twice monthly, 4 (12%) are not sexually active despite a functioning implant, 2 are not sexually active because of a lack of sexual partners, and 2 are not satisfied with the implant and would not recommend this device. Discomfort from the penile implant was reported by 2 patients, although they currently use the implant for intercourse at least twice weekly.

Penile prosthesis surgery can be safely and effectively performed after radiation therapy with minimal intraoperative and postoperative complications, and an excellent patient satisfaction rate.