Penile prosthesis surgery in patients with corporal fibrosis: a state of the art review

Abstract

Introduction: Penile prosthesis has become one of the most accepted treatment options in patients who do not respond to conservative medical therapies (oral or intracavernous injections). When penile fibrosis is present, this surgery becomes a real surgical challenge even for a skillful surgeon.

Aim: The aim of this study was to review latest techniques to implant a penile prosthesis in patients with corporal fibrosis.

Methods: We performed a systematic search in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, SCOPUS, and Science Citation Index without any date limits for the terms: "penile prosthesis,""penile fibrosis,""impotence,""fibrosis,""cavernotomes,""downsized prosthesis cylinders,""patient satisfaction,""penile graft," and "vascular graft."

Main outcome measure: We reported in each technique and series data regarding penile size, complication rate, infection rate, technical pitfalls and details, use of additional surgical tools or implanted material (grafts, etc.), patients' satisfaction, and overall success rate.

Results: When penile corporal fibrosis is present, this surgery becomes a real surgical challenge even for a skillful surgeon. Over the years, multiple surgical approaches have been suggested to facilitate implantation in this difficult situation. Traditional approaches include the resection of scar tissue, performing extensive corporotomies and the eventually use of grafts to cover the corporal gap. Outcomes can be improved combining the use of techniques for scar incision (extensive wide excision, multiple incisions minimizing excision, corporal counter incisions, corporal excavation technique or Shaeer's technique) and cavernotomes and downsized prosthesis. Surgical strategies like upsizing prosthesis, suspensory ligament release or scrotoplasty must be kept in mind to utilize in this special scenario.

Conclusions: Penile prosthesis in a patient with severe corporal fibrosis remains a surgical challenge. There are several techniques and surgical strategies that an implant surgeon should know and manage to minimize complications and improve outcomes.