Comparison of the inflatable penile and the Small-Carrion prostheses in the surgical treatment of erectile impotence.

In 1974 a combined 3-hospital assessment was undertaken to evaluate the surgical treatment of erectile impotence. A comparison study on the inflatable penile and the rigid rod (Small-Carrion) prostheses was established. The inflatable penile prosthesis was implanted in 105 patients, while 45 men received the Small-Carrion prosthesis. A long-term success rate was achieved in 98 patients (93 per cent) who received the inflatable prosthesis. This prosthesis was removed in 7 cases because of infection, pain or inability to operate it. Functional success was achieved in 39 patients (88 per cent) with the Samll-Carrion prosthesis. This prosthesis was removed in 6 cases, mainly because of infection and erosion of the rods into the urethra or glans penis. A guide line to proper prosthetic selection is presented for various patient populations.