The prosthesis salvage operation: immediate replacement of the infected penile prosthesis.

PURPOSE

We describe our experience with salvage of the infected penile prosthesis at initial presentation in 11 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients with prosthesis infection who presented since 1991 were considered for salvage surgery. Contraindications to a salvage operation included necrotic infections, diabetic patients with purulence in the corporeal bodies, rapidly developing infections and erosion of the device cylinders.

RESULTS

In 1 patient in this group a salvage attempt was repeated after re-infection, for an overall success rate of 91%. Mean followup for the group was 21 months (range 9 to 42). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the infecting organism in 75% of our patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience demonstrates the safety and advantages of the immediate salvage technique.