Surgical treatment of erectile impotence using the inflatable penile prosthesis

Abstract

The inflatable penile prosthesis provides a safe and effective means of surgically correcting male erectile impotence. This totally implanted, hydraulically operated device provides a means whereby a nearly normal penile erection can be attained when desired, with a flaccid penis at all other times. At the Mayo Clinic, the device has been implanted in 240 male patients who had erectile impotence. Patient selection depends on findings on a complete history, physical examination, routine laboratory studies, psychologic testing employing MMPI, and psychologic evaluation and consultation. Patient with either organic or psychogenic impotence are suitable candidates for penile implantation, the selection being based on specific criteria. The overall success rate with this prosthetic device has been 95%. Infection is the major pathologic complication, occurring in 3.7% and requiring removal of the device. Mechanical complications occur in approximately 5.5% of patients. All mechanical complications are correctable, but they usually require secondary surgical procedures. This experience indicates that the inflatable penile prosthesis is an excellent means of correcting male erectile impotence and reliably achieves the patient's preoperative expectations.