Long-term followup of and patient satisfaction with the Dynaflex self-contained inflatable penile prosthesis.

PURPOSE

We analyzed our experience with the Dynaflex* self-contained inflatable penile prosthesis to define specific complication rates and patient satisfaction in the long term.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From October 1990 through October 1994, 62 men underwent implantation of a Dynaflex prosthesis. Mean and median time since implantation was 50 and 53 months, respectively (minimum 24). In addition to standard followup and tabulation of complications, patients were contacted and interviewed regarding satisfaction with the prosthesis.

RESULTS

Mechanical device failures occurred in 9.7% of cases with a mean time to failure of 40 months in 6 prostheses. An additional 16.1% of patients had an unsuccessful outcome due to dissatisfaction with the Dynaflex. Of the patients with a functional Dynaflex prosthesis contacted at the time of this review 88.1% expressed satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical failure rates for the Dynaflex prosthesis are comparable to those previously reported for multicomponent inflatable penile prostheses. Patient dissatisfaction, mainly due to difficulty in operating the Dynaflex inflation and deflation mechanisms, is much higher than for multicomponent inflatable penile prostheses. However, in patients who are successful in mastering operation of the Dynaflex satisfaction rates are high. Careful patient selection, and extended training and education efforts are the keys to maximizing successful outcomes with the Dynaflex prosthesis.