Maximizing postoperative satisfaction in penile prosthesis surgery: the predictive power of preoperative length and its role in tailoring enhancement procedures.

BACKGROUND

Penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) is a common procedure for refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). Changes in penile size affect patient satisfaction.

AIM

To evaluate the predictive value of preoperative penile length measurements for postoperative sexual satisfaction following PPI, with or without lengthening procedures.

OUTCOMES

Postoperative satisfaction and penile length were evaluated at 3 months using both objective measurements and patient-reported assessments.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized comparative study included 61 male patients with organic vascular ED refractory to medical treatment. Patients were divided into two groups:Group A (n = 31): Underwent suspensory ligament release (SLR) with lower penopubic Z-plasty, dorsal and ventral phalloplasty.Group B (n = 30): Underwent PPI alone via a ventral midline penoscrotal incision.

RESULTS

The mean functional and visible penile lengths were significantly greater in Group A compared to Group B (P < .001 for both). The erectile dysfunction inventory of treatment satisfaction (EDITS) resting-state score was also significantly higher in Group A (55.2%) than in Group B (0.0%) (P < .001). A preoperative Functional Stretched Penile Length (FSPL) cutoff of 12.75 cm in Group A predicted postoperative satisfaction with 81.8% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity, while in Group B, a cutoff of 14.50 cm yielded 77.8% sensitivity and 94.7% specificity. Similarly, a Visible Stretched Penile Length (VSPL) cutoff of 10.75 cm in Group A predicted satisfaction with 81.8% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity, and a cutoff of 12.50 cm in Group B predicted satisfaction with 66.7% sensitivity and 94.7% specificity.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Preoperative penile length serves as a predictor of postoperative satisfaction; patients with shorter lengths may benefit from adjunctive lengthening procedures, provided that risks are carefully weighed and thorough preoperative counseling is conducted to align expectations and optimize outcomes.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first study to establish preoperative penile length cutoffs predictive of postoperative satisfaction; while its randomized design strengthens validity, limitations include small sample size, single-center setting, lack of participant blinding, and exclusive evaluation of malleable implants, which may reduce clinical applicability and limit generalizability beyond high-volume surgeons performing SLR.

CONCLUSIONS

A preoperative FSPL of <12.75 cm or VSPL of <10.75 cm identifies patients most likely to benefit from concomitant lengthening procedures, while those exceeding these thresholds may achieve satisfactory outcomes without augmentation; thus, preoperative assessment of functional and visible stretched penile lengths serves as a valuable predictor of postoperative sexual satisfaction following PPI and highlights the importance of individualized surgical planning to optimize both functional and aesthetic results.