Our Summary

This research paper looks into a specific part of penile implant surgery, known as corporotomy. The authors wanted to understand how the location of the corporotomy affects surgery outcomes. They collected data from 18 surgery centers in Europe and America, involving over 800 patients who had not had the surgery before.

The researchers found no significant difference in where the corporotomy was performed between lower and higher volume surgery centers. They did find a correlation between the location of the corporotomy and the age of the patient, their body mass index (BMI), use of a specific part of the implant called a rear tip extender (RTE), the length of the RTE and whether the patient had diabetes or not.

However, they found no correlation between the location of the corporotomy and the rates of complications during surgery or shortly afterwards. The authors caution that their study was retrospective, meaning they looked back at past surgeries, and the follow-up period was only three months. They suggest future studies should follow patients for longer to evaluate any long-term complications related to the corporotomy location.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of this research paper on penile implant surgery?
  2. How did the location of corporotomy in penile implant surgery correlate with factors such as the patient’s age, BMI, and diabetes status?
  3. Did the research find any correlation between the location of the corporotomy and the rates of complications during or after surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about penile implant surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the medical team, such as fasting before surgery and avoiding certain medications. This can help reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure. Additionally, it is important to communicate openly with the medical team about any concerns or questions before undergoing the surgery.

Suitable For

Penile implant surgery is typically recommended for patients with erectile dysfunction who have not had success with other treatment options such as medication or vacuum devices. Candidates for penile implant surgery may include:

  1. Men with severe erectile dysfunction: Penile implants are often recommended for men who have severe erectile dysfunction that does not improve with other treatments. This may be due to medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or prostate cancer, or psychological factors.

  2. Men with Peyronie’s disease: Peyronie’s disease is a condition where scar tissue forms in the penis, causing it to bend or curve during erections. Penile implant surgery may be recommended for men with Peyronie’s disease who have difficulty with sexual intercourse.

  3. Men with anatomical abnormalities: Some men may have anatomical abnormalities or deformities that make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. Penile implant surgery can help these men achieve a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse.

  4. Men who have had prostate cancer treatment: Prostate cancer treatment such as surgery or radiation therapy can cause erectile dysfunction. Penile implant surgery may be recommended for men who have not been able to regain erectile function after prostate cancer treatment.

  5. Men with spinal cord injuries: Men with spinal cord injuries may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection due to nerve damage. Penile implant surgery can help these men achieve erections for sexual activity.

It is important for patients considering penile implant surgery to discuss their options with a urologist or other healthcare provider experienced in the procedure. The decision to undergo penile implant surgery should be based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals.

Timeline

Before penile implant surgery, a patient typically experiences symptoms of erectile dysfunction and undergoes various treatments such as medications or therapy. If these treatments are unsuccessful, the patient may consider penile implant surgery as a last resort. The patient will then consult with a urologist to discuss the procedure, risks, benefits, and potential outcomes.

After deciding to proceed with penile implant surgery, the patient will undergo pre-operative assessments to ensure they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This may include blood tests, imaging studies, and a physical examination. The patient will also receive instructions on how to prepare for surgery, such as fasting before the procedure.

On the day of surgery, the patient will be admitted to the hospital and undergo the penile implant surgery under general anesthesia. During the surgery, the urologist will make an incision in the penis and insert the penile implant devices to restore erectile function. The surgery typically takes a few hours to complete.

After penile implant surgery, the patient will stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring and pain management. The patient will be given post-operative instructions on how to care for the incision site, manage pain, and resume normal activities. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

Overall, the timeline of a patient’s experience before and after penile implant surgery involves consultation with a urologist, pre-operative assessments, the surgical procedure, post-operative care, and follow-up appointments to ensure a successful recovery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the corporotomy in penile implant surgery?
  2. How does the location of the corporotomy affect the overall surgery outcomes?
  3. Are there different risks or complications associated with different locations of the corporotomy?
  4. How do factors such as age, BMI, use of a rear tip extender, and diabetes status impact the choice of corporotomy location?
  5. What is the typical recovery process after penile implant surgery, and how does the location of the corporotomy play a role in this?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or precautions related to the location of the corporotomy?
  7. How long should I expect to see the full benefits of the penile implant surgery, and does the location of the corporotomy affect this timeline?
  8. Are there any additional follow-up appointments or monitoring required based on the location of the corporotomy?
  9. What are the potential long-term complications that could arise from the location of the corporotomy, and how are they typically addressed?
  10. Are there any alternative surgical techniques or approaches that could be considered based on the location of the corporotomy?

Reference

Authors: van Renterghem K, Jacobs B, Yafi F, Osmonov D, Ralph D, Venturino L, Barnard JT, Ziegelmann M, Wang R, Kannady C, Lentz A, Garcia EL, Andrianne R, Bettochi C, Hatzichristodoulou G, Gross M, Faix A, Otero JR, Salamanca JIM, Sedigh O, Albersen M, Dinkelman-Smit M, Mykoniatis I. Journal: Int J Impot Res. 2022 Apr;34(3):302-307. doi: 10.1038/s41443-021-00431-w. Epub 2021 Apr 12. PMID: 33846587