Does climate impact inflatable penile prosthesis infection (IPP) risk? Assessment of temperature and dew point on IPP infections.

BACKGROUND: Variations in climate have been associated with a greater risk of surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and changes in the skin microbiome; however, limited data exist on the impact of climate on inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) infections. AIM: We sought to evaluate the impact of climate on the risk of IPP infections in a large international, multicenter cohort. METHODS: We performed a multi-institutional, retrospective study of patients undergoing IPP surgery. We then evaluated whether the month or season, during which surgery was performed, affected device infections. Implant infections were defined as infections requiring device explantation. A univariate logistic regression analysis was undertaken. OUTCOMES: Our primary outcome was implant infection. RESULTS: A total of 5289 patients with a mean age of 62.2 ± 10.8 years received IPP placement. There was a fairly even distribution of implants performed in each season. A total of 103 (1.9%) infections were recorded. There were 32 (31.1%) IPP infections in patients who underwent surgery in the summer, followed by 28 (27.2%) in the winter, 26 (25.2%) in the spring, and 17 (16.5%) in the fall. No statistically significant differences were recorded in terms of season (P = .19) and month (P = .29). The mean daily temperature (P = .43), dew point (P = .43), and humidity (P = .92) at the time of IPP placement was not associated with infection. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings provide reassurance to prosthetic urologists that infection reduction strategies do not need to be tailored to local climate. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Climate data were not directly recorded for each hospital, but rather based on the monthly averages in the city where the surgery was performed. CONCLUSION: The climate at time of IPP placement and time of year of surgery is not associated with IPP infection risk.

AUA-recommended Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Primary Penile Implantation Results in a Higher, Not Lower, Risk for Postoperative Infection: A Multicenter Analysis.

PURPOSE: Our aim was to determine if the AUA-recommended prophylaxis (vancomycin + gentamicin alone) for primary inflatable penile prosthesis surgery is associated with a higher infection risk than nonstandard regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of patients undergoing primary inflatable penile prosthesis surgery. Patients were divided into those receiving vancomycin + gentamicin alone and those receiving any other regimen. A Cox proportional-hazards model was constructed adjusted for major predictors. A subgroup analysis to identify the appropriate dosage of gentamicin was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 4,161 patients underwent primary inflatable penile prosthesis placement (2,411 received vancomycin + gentamicin alone and 1,750 received other regimens). The infection rate was similar between groups, 1% vs 1.2% for standard vs nonstandard prophylaxis. In the multivariable analysis, vancomycin + gentamicin (HR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4 to 5.4, P = .004) and diabetes (HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.4, P = .04) were significantly associated with a higher risk of infection. Antifungals (HR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.19, P < .001) were associated with lower risk of infection. There was no statistically significant difference in infection rate between weight-based gentamicin compared to 80 mg gentamicin (HR: 2.9, 95% CI: 0.83 to 10, P = .1). CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin + gentamicin alone for antibiotic prophylaxis for primary inflatable penile prosthesis surgery is associated with a higher infection risk than nonstandard antibiotic regimens while antifungal use is associated with lower infection risk. A critical review of the recommended antimicrobial prophylactic regimens is needed. Prospective research is needed to further elucidate best practices in inflatable penile prosthesis antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Initial safety outcomes for the Rigicon Infla10® inflatable penile prosthesis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse data from patient information forms (PIFs) submitted to the manufacturer of a new three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), the Rigicon Infla10®, to summarize early outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of PIFs from 319 patients implanted with the IPP between 6 January 2019 and 31 December 2021 was performed to assess device durability and rates of reoperation for infection, mechanical failure or medical reasons. RESULTS: The mean ± sd (range) follow-up was 21.2 ± 11 (5-36) months and the mean ± sd patient age was 58.5 ± 8.7 years. Of the total, 4.4% of devices required removal or revision. Complications included mechanical failure (2.5%) and component migration (0.7%). No infections were observed in this series. One patient (0.4%) required revision for inadequate straightening of Peyronie's disease. Three patients (0.9%) requested device removal because of dissatisfaction. A total of 95.6% of the Rigicon Infla10 devices were free from explant or revision 21 months after the original implant date. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the rates of cumulative survival of the device at 12, 24, 36 months were 95.6%, 94.7% and 93.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of the early Rigicon Infla10 IPPs implanted prior to January 2022 were included in this retrospective analysis of volunteered PIFs. These early results demonstrate initial durability from reoperation equivalent to that of other contemporary devices.

Delayed placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis is associated with a high complication rate in men with a history of ischemic priapism.

BACKGROUND: Corporal fibrosis is known to result from prolonged priapism; however, the impact of the timing of penile prosthesis placement after priapism on complication rates is poorly understood. AIM: We sought to evaluate the impact of timing of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement on complications in men with a history of ischemic priapism. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients with a history of priapism undergoing IPP placement by 10 experienced implantation surgeons. We defined early placement as ≤6 months from priapism to IPP. We identified a 1:1 propensity-matched group of men without a history of priapism and compared complication rates between men who had early placement, late placement, and no history of priapism. OUTCOMES: Our primary outcome was postoperative noninfectious complications, and secondary outcomes included intraoperative complications and postoperative infection. RESULTS: A total of 124 men were included in the study with a mean age of 50.3 ± 12.7 years. A total of 62 had a history of priapism and 62 were matched control subjects. The median duration of priapism was 37 (range, 3-168) hours and the median time from ischemic priapism to IPP placement was 15 months (range, 3 days to 23 years). Fifteen (24%) men underwent early (≤6 months) IPP placement at a median time of 2 months (range, 3 days to 6 months) following the ischemic priapism event. The remaining 47 (76%) underwent placement >6 months following priapism at a median time of 31.5 months (range, 7 months to 23 years). The complication rate in the delayed placement group was 40.5% compared with 0% in the early placement group and control group. Cylinder-related complications such as migration or leak accounted for 8 (57%) of 14 of the postoperative noninfectious complications. Full-sized cylinders were used in all patients who had a cylinder related complication. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Priapism patients should be referred to prosthetic experts early to decrease complication rates in those needing an IPP. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is a multicenter study from experienced prosthetic urologists but is limited by the retrospective nature and small number of patients in the early placement group. CONCLUSION: IPP complication rates are high in men with a history of ischemic priapism, especially when implantation is delayed beyond 6 months.

Pain Management Strategies in Contemporary Penile Implant Recipients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the most recent literature citing opioid-sparing multimodal analgesic strategies used to manage perioperative pain in patients who underwent inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery and to provide the penile implant surgeon a variety of non-opioid-based pain management strategies for IPP management. RECENT FINDINGS: Interventions performed in the pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative arenas have all been shown to effectively lower pain scores and reduce opioid consumption. Certain surgical techniques performed during IPP surgery have helped with post-operative discomfort patients may feel after surgery. Multimodal analgesia (MMA) protocols adopted from other surgical fields and other urologic subspecialties that are implemented in IPP surgery have promising results with regard to post-operative pain control and opioid consumption. Protocols that implement a combination of refined surgical technique and multimodal analgesia offer substantial benefit to patients undergoing IPP surgery. Further work is needed to assess long-term pain control and opioid use in patients that undergo IPP surgery using these innovative strategies.

A Multicenter Investigation Examining American Urological Association Recommended Antibiotic Prophylaxis vs Nonstandard Prophylaxis in Preventing Device Infections in Penile Prosthesis Surgery in Diabetic Patients.

PURPOSE: American Urological Association (AUA) antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations may be insufficient for covering organisms commonly found in penile prosthesis infections. In this study we assess the difference between AUA recommended antibiotic prophylaxis and nonstandard prophylaxis in preventing device infections in penile prosthesis surgery performed in diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study of diabetic patients undergoing primary penile prosthesis surgery was performed between April 2003 and August 2018. Eighteen institutions from the United States, Europe and Korea contributed. The association between antibiotic prophylaxis type and postoperative penile prosthesis infections, device explantations and revision surgeries was assessed. RESULTS: Standard AUA antibiotic prophylaxis was followed in 48.6% (391) of cases while nonstandard prophylaxis was used in 51.4% (413). Common nonstandard antibiotic prophylaxis included vancomycin-gentamycin-fluoroquinolone, clindamycin-fluoroquinolone, and vancomycin-fluoroquinolone among other combinations. Patients who received AUA prophylaxis had significantly more postoperative device infections (5.6% vs 1.9%, p <0.01) and explantations (8.3% vs 2.0%, p <0.001) compared to those who received nonstandard prophylaxis. Patients who received AUA prophylaxis had significantly higher odds of a postoperative device infection (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.1-7.3) and explantation (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4-9.1) compared to those who received nonstandard prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic men with erectile dysfunction who received standard AUA prophylaxis for penile prosthesis surgery had significantly greater odds of experiencing a postoperative device infection and device explantation compared to patients who received nonstandard prophylaxis. Our study provides a strong rationale for a prospective investigation to establish the most appropriate prophylaxis strategy in penile prosthesis surgery.

Impact of Antimicrobial Dipping Solutions on Postoperative Infection Rates in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Primary Insertion of a Coloplast Titan Inflatable Penile Prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Modern-day penile prostheses use infection retardant coating to decrease rates of postoperative infection, subsequently reducing explantation and revision rates as well. The Coloplast Titan models are dipped into antimicrobial solutions right before implantation, and the components used for dipping can be tailored toward the patient. AIM: To compare infection, explantation, and revision rates among different dipping solutions used before implantation for patients with diabetes receiving a Coloplast Titan implant. METHODS: We systematically reviewed 932 patients with diabetes receiving a primary penile implant across 18 different centers from the period April 2003 to August 2018. Of those patients, 473 received a Coloplast device, whereas 459 received an AMS device. Data regarding the type of antimicrobial solution used before implantation were recorded for 468 patients receiving a Coloplast Titan, including whether or not they suffered a postoperative infection and if they underwent explantation and/or revision. Outcome rates were compared using Fisher's exact and Pearson's chi-square tests, and logistic regression modeling was performed to account for covariates. OUTCOMES: The main outcome measures of this study were postoperative infection, explantation, and revision rates. RESULTS: Of the total 932 patients reviewed, 33 suffered a postoperative infection. Of 468 patients receiving Coloplast implants, there was a 3.4% infection rate. The most commonly used antibiotic combination before dipping was vancomycin + gentamicin (59.0%). There was a significantly lower rate of postoperative infection, explantation, and revision when vancomycin + gentamicin was used than those associated with the use of all other dipping solutions ([1.4% vs 6.4%; P = .004], [1.1% vs 8.3%; P < .001], and [2.5% vs 12.5; P < .001], respectively). After adjusting for age, body mass index, preoperative blood glucose level, and hemoglobin A1c, the use of other dips was an independent predictor of postoperative infection (odds ratio: 0.191; P = .049). The inclusion of rifampin in the dipping solution trended toward being a significant risk factor for infection (P = .057). Including antifungals in the dipping solution did not affect infection (P = .414), explantation (P = .421), or revision (P = .328) rates. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Vancomycin + gentamicin was the most efficacious combination of antibiotics used for dipping in terms of preventing postoperative infection and subsequent explantation and revision. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Data were sampled across multiple institutions providing a large sample that may be more representative of the population of interest. A key limitation of the study was its retrospective nature, which prevented us from controlling certain variables. CONCLUSION: The use of rifampin did not provide the same type of protection, possibly representing a shift in resistance patterns of common bacteria responsible for device infection. Towe M, Huynh LM, Osman MM, et al. Impact of Antimicrobial Dipping Solutions on Postoperative Infection Rates in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Primary Insertion of a Coloplast Titan Inflatable Penile Prosthesis. J Sex Med 2020;17:2077-2083.

Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Placement, Scratch Technique and Postoperative Vacuum Therapy as a Combined Approach to Definitive Treatment of Peyronie's Disease.

PURPOSE: Peyronie's disease is a devastating condition resulting in penile malformation, erectile dysfunction, pain and emotional distress. In this prospective, 2 institution study we evaluated a multimodal surgical and mechanical combined approach to the definitive treatment of Peyronie's disease and concomitant erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 145 select patients underwent endocavernous disruption of Peyronie's disease plaques via the scratch technique, followed by inflatable penile prosthesis insertion. Postoperatively patients were assigned to vacuum device therapy for 3 minutes twice daily to continue penile curvature correction. Followup continued for 1 year after surgery. Anatomical and functional results were assessed. RESULTS: Patients with plaques in the proximal third, middle third and subcoronal areas of the penis had a mean ± SD postoperative residual curvature of 21.5 ± 4.5, 17.3 ± 4.8 and 14.1 ± 3.1 degrees, respectively. After 24 weeks of vacuum therapy the mean penile curvature deviation decreased to 8.7 ± 2.5, 9.1 ± 2.9 and 7.7 ± 0.9 degrees, respectively. The mean IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function) score was 9.8 ± 2.3 preoperatively, 18.9 ± 3.1 at 6 months (p <0.001) and 24.1 ± 3.6 at 1 year (p <0.001). The mean EDITS (Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction) score at the end of followup was 64.6 ± 11.8. Operative and postoperative complications were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel combination of intraoperative and postoperative therapies in the treatment of patients with Peyronie's disease and an inflatable penile prosthesis was safe and efficacious with excellent functional outcomes. Penile curvature corrections were statistically significant and complications were negligible.

Biomechanical Comparison of Inflatable Penile Implants: A Cadaveric Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Throughout the last decade there has been a growing interest in the biomechanical differences between inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs) and their significance with regard to the patient experience. AIM: To present our findings assessing the biomechanical properties of IPPs with and without rear tip extenders (RTEs). METHODS: This is a biomechanical study of the 3 most commonly used IPPs (AMS CX, AMS LGX, and Coloplast Titan) as assessed by column compression, modified cantilever deflection, and 3-point bending methods. The IPPs were surgically placed into 3 fresh cadavers via an infrapubic technique by a single large-volume implanter. A biomechanical evaluation of the properties of each IPP inside the fibroelastic tunica albuginea was assessed in blinded testing, and analyses were based on industry standard methods for assessment. OUTCOMES: Maximum axial load; kink formation; horizontal stiffness; and resistance to 3-point flexure testing were measured. RESULTS: At maximum inflation, all 3 implants had similar performance. Differences appear to be most affected by fill pressures. In fact, only the AMS LGX at less than maximum inflation (LTMI) was unable to consistently withstand the roughly 0.9 kg (2 lbs) of pressure for column load testing mimicking vaginal intromission. The Coloplast Titan showed slightly better rigidity than the AMS LGX and CX devices in horizontal load testing, and, with 3-point flexure testing, the CX showed the best rigidity in the shortest phallus (A). Overall, the Titan showed slightly better rigidity in the longest phallus (C) and the phallus with mild Peyronie's disease (B). CLINICAL TRANSLATIONS: Penile implants with circumferential expansion had higher rigidity on biomechanical testing and should be considered in a patient's decision during selection of a penile implant. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Strengths include blinding of the biomechanical testing and analyses, surgical procedures performed by a highly experienced surgeon, and that this is the "closest to" in vivo evaluation (inside the tunica albuginea) of penile implant function and properties to date. Weaknesses are that this study was performed in cadavers and not in live patients. It also has a small sample size, including the use of only 3 cadavers, and there was no correlation of performance to patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the conclusion that all devices are capable of functionally restoring erectile capacity. However, we observed that, in general, the 2 circumferentially expanding penile prosthesis showed greater resistance in biomechanical testing when compared with longitudinal and circumferential expanding devices. This should be considered as a guide during device selection for a patient undergoing penile prosthesis. Wallen JJ, Barrera EV, Ge L, et al. Biomechanical Comparison of Inflatable Penile Implants: A Cadaveric Pilot Study. J Sex Med 2018;15:1034-1040.

Experience With Prophylactic Gentamicin During Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Retrospective Comparison of Two Different Doses.

BACKGROUND: Gentamicin has been determined to be active against a wide range of bacterial infections and has been commonly used as a preoperative antibiotic for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation. However, the best dosing regimen to produce the safest optimal prophylactic effect remains to be determined. AIM: To compare low- and high-dose gentamicin as prophylaxis during IPP implantation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed two groups of patients who underwent IPP placement from April 14, 2012 through April 13, 2016. Group 1 was composed of 490 patients who underwent IPP placement from April 14, 2012 through April 13, 2014 and received a low dose of preoperative gentamicin at 80 mg every 8 hours for 1 day. Group 2 was composed of 407 patients who underwent IPP placement from April 14, 2014 through April 13, 2016 and received a single high dose of preoperative gentamicin at 5 mg/kg. We compared the infection rates of IPP and any gentamicin-related toxicities. The same surgeon performed all procedures. All patients received additional vancomycin 1 g before incision and at 12 hours postoperatively. OUTCOME: Demographic data and IPP infection rate were compared and potential toxicities from the higher dose of gentamicin were closely monitored. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean age, mean body mass index, and mean interval for IPP placement and IPP infection between the two groups. No toxicity was seen with the higher gentamicin dose. Six cases in group 1 (five de novo cases and one redo case, infection rate = 1.22%) and three cases in group 2 (two de novo cases and one redo case, infection rate = 0.74%) were found to have IPP infection. The infection rate in group 2 appeared to be lower than that in group 1, although a significant statistical difference was not achieved (P = .057). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: These findings would help guide urologists in choosing an optimal preoperative gentamicin dose for IPP surgery. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the first study to report on the usage of high-dose preoperative gentamicin for IPP surgery but with limitations as a retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: Although not achieving a statistical difference, there was a trend for patients receiving a higher dose of preoperative gentamicin to have a lower IPP infection rate. No toxicity was encountered from the 5-mg/kg gentamicin dose. We recommend following prophylactic high-dose gentamicin guidelines. Xie D, Gheiler V, Lopez I, et al. Experience With Prophylactic Gentamicin During Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Retrospective Comparison of Two Different Doses. J Sex Med 2017;14:1160-1164.

Distal Corporal Anchoring Stitch: A Technique to Address Distal Corporal Crossovers and Impending Lateral Extrusions of a Penile Prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Unidentified distal crossovers, delayed distal crossovers, and impending lateral extrusion are complications of penile prosthesis implant insertion but are not as common as prosthesis infection or mechanical failure. AIM: To evaluate results of a surgical technique, the distal corporal anchoring stitch, that addresses fixation of the penile prosthesis in patients with these complications. METHODS: A lateral sub-coronal incision is used on the side where the crossover or laterally extruding cylinder should be positioned. Dissection is carried through the Buck fascia, followed by a transverse incision of the tunica albuginea, where the distal aspect of the affected cylinder is delivered. A 4-0 PDS suture is threaded through the distal cylinder ring of the implant. A new, properly positioned intracorporal channel is created and the suture is passed through the distal end of the channel. Once the suture is through the glans and the cylinder is in the correct position, a small cruciate incision is made on the glans at the location of the anchor stitch. The suture is tied with the knot buried in the glans tissue. OUTCOMES: Fifty-three patients underwent treatment of their distal penile implant crossover with a distal corporoplasty using this method and their anatomic and functional outcomes and overall satisfaction were evaluated. RESULTS: This technique ensured that the cylinder remained in the newly created, appropriately positioned channel. No patients developed infections, wound-healing defect, glandular hypoesthesia, anesthesia, or altered sensation or pain in the glans related to the suture and only two reported recurrence of a lateral herniation that did not require further treatment. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Distal fixation of the penile prosthesis is a useful surgical adjunct to treating patients with prosthetic lateral extrusions or crossovers that can be applied in almost all cases. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Considering these rare complications, our experience is based on a relatively large number of patients and showed a low incidence of complications and a high satisfaction rate. The main limitation of this study is the retrospective nature of the data and the series included patients from two high-volume surgeons that might not be generalizable to all practices. CONCLUSION: The distal corporal anchoring stitch is safe and effective in securing distal fixation of the extruding inflatable penile prosthesis. Antonini G, Busetto GM, Del Giudice F, et al. Distal Corporal Anchoring Stitch: A Technique to Address Distal Corporal Crossovers and Impending Lateral Extrusions of a Penile Prosthesis. J Sex Med 2017;14:767-773.

Multicenter Investigation of the Micro-Organisms Involved in Penile Prosthesis Infection: An Analysis of the Efficacy of the AUA and EAU Guidelines for Penile Prosthesis Prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: Penile prosthesis infections remain challenging despite advancements in surgical technique, device improvements, and adoption of antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines. AIM: To investigate penile prosthesis infection microbiology to consider which changes in practice could decrease infection rates, to evaluate current antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines, and to develop a proposed algorithm for penile prosthesis infections. METHODS: This retrospective institutional review board-exempt multi-institutional study from 25 centers reviewed intraoperative cultures obtained at explantation or Mulcahy salvage of infected three-piece inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs). Antibiotic usage was recorded at implantation, admission for infection, and explantation or salvage surgery. Cultures were obtained from purulent material in the implant space and from the biofilm on the device. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraoperative culture data from infected IPPs. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-seven intraoperative cultures (2002-2016) were obtained at salvage or explantation. No culture growth occurred in 33% of cases and gram-positive and gram-negative organisms were found in 73% and 39% of positive cultures, respectively. Candida species (11.1%), anaerobes (10.5%) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (9.2%) constituted nearly one third of 153 positive cultures. Multi-organism infections occurred in 25% of positive cultures. Antibiotic regimens at initial implantation were generally consistent with American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. However, the micro-organisms identified in this study were covered by these guidelines in only 62% to 86% of cases. Antibiotic selection at admissions for infection and salvage or explantation varied widely compared with those at IPP implantation. CONCLUSION: This study documents a high incidence of anaerobic, Candida, and methicillin-resistant S aureus infections. In addition, approximately one third of infected penile prosthesis cases had negative cultures. Micro-organisms identified in this study were not covered by the AUA and EAU antibiotic guidelines in at least 14% to 38% of cases. These findings suggest broadening antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines and creating a management algorithm for IPP infections might lower infection rates and improve salvage success. Gross MS, Phillips EA, Carrasquillo RJ, et al. Multicenter Investigation of the Micro-Organisms Involved in Penile Prosthesis Infection: An Analysis of the Efficacy of the AUA and EAU Guidelines for Penile Prosthesis Prophylaxis. J Sex Med 2017;14:455-463.

The Malleable Implant Salvage Technique: Infection Outcomes after Mulcahy Salvage Procedure and Replacement of Infected Inflatable Penile Prosthesis with Malleable Prosthesis.

PURPOSE: Since its introduction in 1996 Mulcahy salvage has significantly improved outcomes for the removal and replacement of infected inflatable penile prostheses. Long-term followup data of Mulcahy salvage show an infection-free rate of 82%. A multicenter retrospective analysis of the malleable implant salvage technique was conducted to assess infection outcomes and the feasibility of conversion from malleable device back to inflatable penile prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, institutional review board exempt, multi-institution study of 58 patients who underwent Mulcahy salvage with inflatable penile prosthesis removal and replacement with malleable prosthesis. Patient operative notes and charts were extensively reviewed to compile study data. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2014 a total of 58 patients underwent infected inflatable penile prosthesis removal and replacement with a malleable prosthesis via Mulcahy salvage. Of these patients 54 (93%) have remained infection-free postoperatively. Average patient age was 56.4 years and average operative time was 148 minutes. Postoperative followup (as of May 2015) ranged from 1 month to 84 months. Of the 54 patients 37 retained the malleable prosthesis and 17 (31%) subsequently underwent replacement with an inflatable penile prosthesis. This occurred on average 6.7 months after Mulcahy salvage. Four patients had persistent infection after Mulcahy salvage with the malleable prosthesis and underwent explantation. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective analysis of Mulcahy salvage procedure and replacement of inflatable penile prosthesis with malleable prosthesis shows a high infection-free rate. Additionally, 17 of the 54 patients who remained infection-free were able to successfully undergo subsequent removal of the malleable prosthesis and replacement with an inflatable penile prosthesis. Further prospective studies are needed to compare salvage with malleable vs inflatable penile prosthesis.

Three-component hydraulic penile prosthesis malfunction due to penile fibrolipoma secondary to augmentative phalloplasty: A case report.

Fibrolipomas are an infrequent type of lipomas. We describe a case of a man suffering from subcutaneous penile fibrolipoma, who twelve months earlier has been submitted to augmentative phalloplasty due to aesthetic dysmorphophobia. The same patient three years earlier has been submitted to three-component hydraulic penile prostheses implantation due to erectile dysfunction. After six months from removing of the mass, the penile elongation and penile enlargement were stable, the prostheses were correctly functioning and the patient was satisfied with his sexual intercourse and life. The diagnostics and surgical characteristics of this case are reported.

Penile prosthesis implant for erectile dysfunction: A new minimally invasive infrapubic surgical technique.

Erectile dysfunction, the most common male sexual disorder after premature ejaculation, with its important impact on man and partner's sexuality and quality of life is a persistent inability to obtain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual performance. Non-surgical treatments with controversial results are usually applyed before surgical treatment that has reached high levels of satisfaction. We describe a new surgical technique to implant three-pieces penile prosthesis in patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) not responding to conventional medical therapy or reporting side effects with such a therapy. Implantation of an inflatable prosthesis, for treatment of ED, is a safe and efficacious approach with high satisfaction reported by patients and partners. Surgical technique should be minimally invasive and latest technology equipment should be implanted in order to decrease common complications and to obtain a better aesthetic result.

Outcomes of abdominal wall reservoir placement in inflatable penile prosthesis implantation: a safe and efficacious alternative to the space of Retzius.

INTRODUCTION: Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery is a successful therapeutic option for men with erectile dysfunction. Traditional placement of the reservoir in the retropubic space of Retzius is associated with the rare occurrence of significant complications including bladder, bowel, and vascular injury. An alternative site, posterior to the abdominal wall musculature, has been identified as a potentially safer location for reservoir placement. AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe our technique of abdominal reservoir placement during infrapubic IPP surgery and present our outcomes data. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our experience with abdominal reservoir placement during virgin IPP cases. Reservoirs placed anterior and posterior to transversalis fascia were analyzed separately. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measures was assessment of reservoir-related complications including palpable reservoir, reservoir herniation, and injuries to bowel, bladder, or major blood vessels. RESULTS: There were no injuries to bowel or major blood vessels with abdominal reservoir placement posterior or anterior to the transversalis fascia in properly segregated patients. CONCLUSION: Abdominal reservoir placement is a safe and simple surgical method that can be recommended for most men undergoing IPP placement. Men with a history of pelvic surgery can have the reservoir placed between the rectus abdominis musculature and transversalis fascia, while other men can have the reservoir placed between transversalis fascia and peritoneum in order to avoid a palpable reservoir. By applying this protocol, the catastrophic injuries that occur rarely with retropubic reservoir placement can be reliably avoided.

Tips and tricks of inflatable penile prosthesis reservoir placement: a case presentation and discussion.

INTRODUCTION: There have been many advances in the inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) since the 1970s. While these devices were initially fraught with mechanical malfunction, the most recent models prove to be much more reliable. Although reservoir complications are not common, when they do occur, it typically involves damage to the surrounding tissues. The ability to recognize and treat these complications is paramount for any surgeon that routinely places IPPs. AIM: The aim of this article was to present a unique reservoir-related complication as well as perform a literature review of reservoir-related complications and techniques for reservoir placement, and provide a summary of dimensions and technical aspects of commonly used reservoirs. METHODS: We reviewed a unique reservoir-related complication that presented to our institution with urinary retention and constipation. We also reviewed reservoir-related complications since 1984, reviewed the most recent surgical techniques involved in reservoir placement, and summarized the dimensions and technical characteristics of both the American Medical System and Coloplast reservoirs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: A reservoir-related complication that resulted in urinary retention and constipation is the main outcome measure. RESULTS: Although uncommon, reservoir complications do occur. The most common case report complication in the published literature is bladder erosion followed by external iliac compression, ileal conduit erosion, and small bowel obstruction. The case that presented at our institution was the result of a reservoir that was improperly placed in the perineum, causing urinary retention and constipation due to the compression of the bulbar urethra and rectum. CONCLUSIONS: In this era, mechanical failures of IPP reservoirs are rare as most complications occur due to damage of the surrounding tissues. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these complications are important for any surgeon that implants IPPs.

Current management of penile implant infections, device reliability, and optimizing cosmetic outcome.

Penile implants hold a major position in the treatment algorithm for patients with erectile dysfunction who find medications and vacuum erection devices ineffective or unsatisfactory. As with any surgical procedure, adverse events may occur. The infection rate associated with implant placement has been lowered to the range of 1 % or less due to multifactorial improvements including no-touch techniques, the use of antibiotic-coated devices, and improved quality measures in the operating room. Urologists have been proactive in employing techniques and procedures which minimize loss of erectile length, hence enhancing patient satisfaction. Flat reservoirs have been developed and techniques of placing these to avoid problems in the space of Retzius have reduced complication rates as well. Device reliability has improved to the point that penile implants are among the most durable mechanical surgical products that contribute to patient and partner satisfaction, which is by far the greatest among all the treatments of erectile dysfunction.

Glans hypermobility scale (GHS): A simple grading scale and description of a modified glanspexy technique.

Glans hypermobility (GH) is a well-described clinical entity that can have significant implications for cosmesis and function, resulting in sexual dissatisfaction, penile pain, and early device erosion, with an estimated incidence of 0.04% to 10%. We developed a novel grading scale to assess GH severity intraoperatively during primary inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement and describe a modified glanspexy technique to correct GH when encountered during IPP placement. 530 patients who underwent primary IPP placements from two high-volume prosthetic surgeons between February 2018 - November 2019 were retrospectively reviewed in order to identify the incidence of GH. Of these, 139 (26.2%) had hypermobility. Employing our new scaling system, grade 1, 2, and 3 GH was seen in 86 (16.2%), 29 (5.5%), and 24 (4.5%) cases, respectively. Increased implant size correlated with a decreased likelihood of GH incidence. Each increase in implant size by 1 cm decreased the incidence of detecting GH by 11.0% (OR = 0.89; p = 0.015). 11 patients underwent primary GH repair using our described technique. At one-year follow-up, one patient required repeat glanspexy for recurrent bothersome GH and a second patient developed a suture granuloma at the glanspexy incision requiring unilateral cylinder explant. Our modified glanspexy technique can be used to correct GH in any direction and is a useful tool for the prosthetic surgeon's armamentarium.