Our Summary
The research paper is about a study that analyzes the long-term rate of re-operation after penile prosthesis implantation in patients with erectile dysfunction who didn’t respond to medical treatment. Researchers looked at data from 7,666 patients over a 15-year period, focusing on men who had their first penile prosthetic surgery.
They found that after 5 years, about 11.2% of patients needed another operation, and this increased to 15.7% after 10 years. The main reasons for additional surgeries were issues with the device itself and infection.
The first year after the surgery was the most likely time for another operation to be needed, and the risk gradually decreased over the next year. Younger men, African-American men, and Hispanic men had a higher risk of needing additional surgery.
Interestingly, nearly a quarter of the re-operations were done at a different hospital than the first surgery. This suggests that existing research might not fully capture the true number of complications from penile prosthetic surgery.
FAQs
- What is the long-term rate of re-operation after penile prosthesis implantation?
- What were the main reasons for additional surgeries after the initial penile prosthesis implantation?
- Were there any particular groups of men who were at a higher risk of needing additional surgery after penile prosthesis implantation?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about penile implant surgery is to closely follow post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of complications and the need for additional surgeries. This includes keeping the surgical site clean, taking prescribed medications as directed, avoiding strenuous activities during the recovery period, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is also important to promptly report any signs of infection, device malfunction, or other concerns to your doctor.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended penile implant surgery are those who have erectile dysfunction that does not respond to other treatments such as oral medications, injections, or vacuum devices. These patients may have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or neurological disorders that affect their ability to achieve and maintain an erection. Additionally, patients who have had prostate cancer treatment or other pelvic surgeries that have resulted in erectile dysfunction may also be candidates for penile implant surgery.
It is important for patients considering penile implant surgery to have realistic expectations about the procedure and to discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider. This study highlights the long-term outcomes of penile prosthetic surgery and the potential need for re-operation, especially in certain demographic groups.
Timeline
Before the surgery, patients typically undergo a thorough evaluation by a urologist to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a penile implant. This evaluation may include a physical exam, medical history review, and possibly psychological counseling. Patients may also be required to try other treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as medications or vacuum erection devices, before being considered for surgery.
After the surgery, patients can expect a recovery period of several weeks, during which they may experience pain, swelling, and bruising. They will need to avoid strenuous activity and sexual intercourse during this time. Patients will also need to follow up with their urologist for post-operative care and may need to undergo physical therapy to learn how to use the implant effectively.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of long-term follow-up care for patients who undergo penile implant surgery, as complications can arise even years after the initial procedure. This information can help urologists better inform patients about the potential risks and benefits of penile prosthetic surgery and provide appropriate post-operative care to minimize the need for re-operations.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with penile implant surgery?
- How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the recovery period?
- Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or modifications post-surgery?
- What is the success rate of penile implant surgery in patients with erectile dysfunction who haven’t responded to medical treatment?
- How often will I need to follow-up with you after the surgery?
- What type of penile implant will be used in my surgery and why?
- How long can I expect the penile implant to last before needing a replacement?
- Are there any specific factors that could increase my risk of needing re-operation after the initial surgery?
- What steps can I take to minimize the risk of complications or the need for additional surgeries?
- Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for penile implant surgery?
Reference
Authors: Mirheydar H, Zhou T, Chang DC, Hsieh TC. Journal: J Sex Med. 2016 Jan;13(1):129-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2015.11.013. PMID: 26755095