Penile prosthetic infection: management by delayed and immediate salvage techniques

A retrospective review was performed to determine success rates using explantation plus delayed (3 days) versus immediate reimplantation in managing an infected penile prosthesis.

During a 9-year period, 41 patients who presented with an infected penile prosthesis underwent a salvage procedure. Group A (n = 31) underwent a delayed salvage procedure and group B (n = 10) underwent an immediate salvage procedure.

Successful salvage occurred in 71% in group A (delayed) and 80% in group B (immediate). Follow-up ranged from 30 to 108 months in group A and 5 to 16 months in group B. Analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the two treatment groups (P = 0.58). Failed salvage procedures were managed with device explantation and later reimplantation at 4 to 6 months.

In proper patient selection, immediate salvage appears as successful as delayed salvage procedures. Significant savings of healthcare dollars can be realized by an immediate salvage procedure if success rates prevail with longer term follow-up.