Semirigid and malleable penile implants.

Unless complications such as infection, erosion, or excessive bleeding develop and unless an inordinate number of malpractice suits ensue, I believe that the outpatient setting for implantation of a penile prosthesis will become increasingly utilized. As emphasized at the beginning of this article, the essential basis for success is thorough evaluation of the candidates for implantation, detailed and documented informed consent, and the elimination as outpatient candidates of poor-risk patients such as certain insulin-dependent diabetics. Patients who are good surgical and postsurgical risks are totally acceptable for outpatient operation. The cost to the patient and insurance carriers is drastically reduced. There is every reason to believe that, in the hands of the highly qualified surgeon, this type of intervention is safe, reliable, and cost-effective.