In a nutshell
This study examined risks associated with dual implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP), and an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) in men with erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. This study concluded that surgical complications and device survival are similar between dual implantation and the implantation of only one device.
Some background
Radical prostatectomy is surgery to remove the entire prostate gland and surrounding lymph nodes. This is a treatment for men with prostate cancer. Urinary incontinence (inability to control urination) and erectile dysfunction can occur after this procedure. An IPP is an implantable device used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. An AUS is an implanted device to treat urinary incontinence. This restricts urine to flow out of the bladder. When an IPP and AUS are implanted at the same time it is called dual implantation (DI).
Device survival is important to measure. This is when device removal, device repair/revision, and device replacement have not been required. It is not known if the surgical risks and device survival differ when DI is performed, compared to the implantation of one device.
Methods & findings
This study looked at the medical records of men who had a radical prostatectomy. 793 patients had an AUS placed. 644 patients had an IPP placed. 62 patients had DI. All patients were 65 years old and above. Complications within 90 days of implantation surgery were assessed. The average length of follow up was 61 months.
The number of complications within 30 and 90 days of device implantation was similar between groups. At follow-up, device survival was similar among those who had DI, compared to patients with only one device implanted.
The bottom line
This study concluded that when compared to implantation of one device, DI does not cause an increase in the level of post-surgical complications, and device survival is similar.
The fine print
The number of patients who had DI of devices was low. Larger studies with more patients are needed.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Feb 18, 2019
