[Replacement of prosthesis of the penis]. / Sustitución de prótesis de pene: 1990-1999.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the series of patients who underwent replacement of their penile prosthesis between years 1990 to 1999, due to any kind of complication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 85 patients underwent implantation, 13 different prosthesis models being utilized. It was replaced (once or more) in 15 of these patients (17.64%). The mean age at the moment of the replacement was 51.5 years. The most frequent surgical approach was the infrapubic one. RESULTS: A total of 32 prosthesis-replacement interventions were carried out. The main causes were mechanical failure (13 cases, 40.62%); infection (10 cases, 31.25%); and corpus cavernosum perforation (five cases, 15.62%). Progressive increase of complications incidence with regard to the ordinal number of the implanted prosthesis was not observed. Best overall results: Mentor Mark II and AMS 700 Ultrex Plus. At present day, only eight (53.33%) out of 15 reimplanted patients use their prosthesis with normality. CONCLUSIONS: Those patients who undergo replacement of their penile prosthesis are potential sources for later complications. Their knowledge and proper handling is important in order to a progressive improvement of the final results, (above all if--such as our case--these ones are not suitable for conformity).