Penile Prosthesis Reimplantation

Abstract

Occasionally, penile prostheses are removed following erosion, infection or malfunction and they are not replaced immediately. Patients may present later for reimplantation of a penile prosthesis after an interval free of a device. However, no information is available as to the outcome and difficulties of such a procedure. We reviewed the charts of all 305 patients undergoing implantation of a penile prosthesis at our institution and contacted all 8 who had undergone reimplantation. Bilateral prostheses were placed in 4 patients. Unilateral prostheses only could not be implanted in either side because of extensive fibrosis. Of the 8 patients 4 are able to have intercourse (1 with difficulty) and reimplantation of the prosthesis often was difficult or impossible. We conclude that reimplantation of a penile prosthesis is beneficial for some patients but they should be informed of the possibility of unsatisfactory results.