Postoperative management with a single scheduled outpatient appointment following penile prosthesis placement does not create undue healthcare system burden.

PURPOSE

Optimization of preoperative counselling and postoperative care pathways to maximize patient satisfaction and healthcare system efficiency requires an understanding of healthcare system interactions that result from postoperative patient concerns. We sought to identify patterns of healthcare utilization following inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement in patients managed with a single scheduled postoperative appointment.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective chart review of 190 patients undergoing IPP placement or three-component revision was performed. Demographic information, intraoperative findings, and immediate postoperative variables were obtained. The timing and primary reason for unplanned postoperative office visits, phone calls/electronic messages, and emergency department visits were recorded for each patient.

RESULTS

65 patients (34%) presented for an unplanned office visit within 90 days of surgery, with 11% requiring multiple visits. Common concerns included the appearance of the surgical site (39%), device appearance or function (38%), and pain (14%). Discharge with an opioid prescription was associated with an increased incidence of unscheduled postoperative visits. 58% of patients contacted the surgical office via phone or electronic health record. Common reasons for communication were clarification of postoperative instructions (24%), device concerns (23%), and pain (21%). Prior penile prosthesis surgery was associated with a decreased rate of communication. Discharge timing and a history of a chronic pain or psychiatric condition did not affect postoperative healthcare system engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

While phone calls and messages following penile prosthesis placement are common, most patients can be managed with a single postoperative appointment.