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Complications and troubleshooting in primary penile prosthetic surgery—a review

Abstract

Penile implant surgery is the gold standard to treat erectile dysfunction with success rates of over 90%. The first penile implants were developed in the early 1900s. Since then, several types of implants have been developed including malleable implants, two-piece inflatable implants, and three-piece inflatable implants. The three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis, which was introduced in 1973, is the most widely used type of penile implant in the United States. Penile implant surgery has undergone numerous advancements over the years, improving outcomes and patient satisfaction. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with penile implant surgery. It is important for surgeons to understand these potential complications and to have strategies in place to manage and prevent them to achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients.

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Fig. 1: Glans hypermobility, also referred to as Supersonic transporter deformity (SST).
Fig. 2: Here the normal lateral deviation of the proximal corporal body is shown with a proximal perforation corrected with a suture sling.
Fig. 3: Distal urethral injury identification.
Fig. 4: Glans ischemia.
Fig. 5: Correction of penoscrotal webbing.

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ERB and GNU drafted the manuscript; ERB, GNU, MJZ, and TSK were involved in revisions and final approval of the manuscript.

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Byrne, E.R., Ungerer, G.N., Ziegelmann, M.J. et al. Complications and troubleshooting in primary penile prosthetic surgery—a review. Int J Impot Res 35, 679–685 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-023-00699-0

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