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Editorial comment: Multicenter investigation on the influence of climate in penile prosthesis infection

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 32, pages 469–470 (2020)Cite this article

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Due to a rise in modifiable risk factors, the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasing [1]. One treatment modality for ED is the use of penile prostheses, in particular inflatable penile prostheses (IPP). However, the utilization of IPP in the treatment of ED has been declining in recent decades [2]. This may be due to the availability of alternative therapies that offer a lower likelihood of complication. The most dreaded complication of IPP implantation is infection, which generally requires the removal of the entire implant [3]. Removal of an implant may lead to an additional infection, corporeal shortening and the development of scar tissue making re-implantation more challenging [4] Therefore it is imperative to understand the risk factors for IPP infection in order to create more robust prevention strategies.

Gross et al. recently published findings from a multicenter investigation on the association between climate and IPP infections [5]. In a retrospective analysis of over 200 patients in 25 institutions, who underwent salvage procedure or explant from 2001 to 2016, climate data were recorded. Climate data were compiled from monthly norm temperatures based on the location of the implantation surgery. Results were presented as the number of infections per month and were additionally divided by season (summer, spring, fall, and winter). The most common month for infections was June, a spring month, and the least common months were during the winter season. The authors distinguish months with a temperature >55 °F, as having greater infection rates. In addition, a relative humidity of >55% was statistically significant for an association with higher infection rates. The study also reports on the type of pathogen causing infection. Gram positive bacteria were more likely the pathogenic agent in the summer and winter months than in the spring months, including in June, the most common month spring month. Furthermore, fungal infections were more likely when humidity >55%, generally during the spring and summer months.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1120 NW 14th Street, 15th Floor, Miami, FL, 33136, USA

    Soum D. Lokeshwar, Premal Patel & Bruce R. Kava

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  1. Soum D. Lokeshwar
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  2. Premal Patel
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  3. Bruce R. Kava
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Correspondence to Bruce R. Kava.

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BK is a Consultant for Endo and Coloplast. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Lokeshwar, S.D., Patel, P. & Kava, B.R. Editorial comment: Multicenter investigation on the influence of climate in penile prosthesis infection. Int J Impot Res 32, 469–470 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-019-0202-3

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