46.2.1 Imaging

It is strongly recommended that every effort be made to obtain the patient’s operative report if the previous surgery was performed by another surgeon. The operative report provides the roadmap to their initial surgery including surgical approach, type of device used, cylinder size, use of rear tip extenders, location of reservoir, and intraoperative complications. This becomes increasingly important in cases where patients have undergone multiple revision surgeries. In situations where it is not possible to obtain the patient’s operative report, we would advocate obtaining either a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Typically, a CT scan will provide all the information needed including location of the reservoir and presence of rear tip extenders. In patients who have undergone multiple revision surgeries, a CT scan may demonstrate a defunctionalized reservoir on the contralateral side of the current reservoir that was left behind in a “drain and retain” situation. A CT may also demonstrate an unexpected location of the current indwelling reservoir (Fig. 46.1). An MRI is rarely indicated as it is costlier and more difficult to obtain, but can provide a greater level of detail of the corporal bodies in cases of impending erosion, particularly when the indication for revision surgery is unclear based on history and physical exam.

46.2.2 Physical Exam

In addition to a thorough history, the physical exam provides invaluable information that can help in operative planning. We recommend the patient be examined in the supine position and in the frog leg position. Careful palpation at the level of the proximal corporal bodies after a recent explant for infection may reveal cement like fibrosis preparing the surgeon for the need for special instruments. Similarly, post priapism patients often will demonstrate very scarred distal corporal bodies that are easily palpable. Scars from previous surgeries are typically visible in the lower abdominal and scrotal areas, particularly if an infrapubic approach was used. The site of the exit tubing is also typically palpable in the infrapubic approach, especially in thin patients. In situations where either a horizontal infrapubic, or midline vertical lower abdominal incision is visible but exit tubing is not palpable, the incision may represent a counterincision used for reservoir placement rather than the cylinders themselves. Surprisingly enough, the patients are frequently no help in telling you where the incision was made! IPP revisions occur years after the original implantation and patients simply forget. Accessing the corporotomy site at the level of the exit tubing in an infrapubic IPP can be more challenging from a penoscrotal approach, therefore the surgeon may consider using the same approach used to place the original device to provide more direct access to remove all of the components. This may not be true in the setting of infection in which case it may be advisable to use a penoscrotal approach where there is less scar tissue from a previous implant placed using an infrapubic approach.

There is always the danger of damage to the dorsal nerve of the penis in reoperations done through an infrapubic incision. The anatomy is not so clear in return operations as it was in the virgin implantation. In our experience, the pump and cylinders of an infrapubic placed device can be completely extracted via scrotal incision, including the tubing boots on American Medical Systems (AMS) devices . The authors commonly make corporotomy distal to tubing exit and remove the cylinder, boots and tubing retrograde by a forceful pull of the cylinder body. If the reservoir must be removed e.g. infection, a separate abdominal incision must be made but there is no danger of dorsal nerve injury from this incision.

Attempts to cycle the device will generally provide useful information in all cases requiring revision. Fluid leak in the system is obvious as air causes turbulence as it cycles through the pump. “Sticky pump syndrome” is demonstrated by difficulty inflating or deflating the device [8]. If the indication for revision is patient dissatisfaction, cycling the device provides an opportunity to discuss the patient’s grievances and expectations including location of the pump, palpable exit tubing, device sizing, floppy glans, supersonic transporter (SST) deformity, and pain with inflation.

New onset urinary symptoms after IPP warrants evaluation with urinalysis, pressure-flow study, post void residual, and cystoscopy to rule out erosion. Cystoscopy usually demonstrates external compression of the bladder due to the reservoir, particularly in patients with large cylinders that require a larger volume reservoir. This is of no consequence to a knowledgeable implanter unless the surface of reservoir is visible. This distortion may also be noted on CT imaging where the bladder is displaced medially due to a large reservoir. CT should not be considered as a substitute for a cystoscopy to rule out erosion. Additional considerations include external compression by the exit tubing or pump relative to the urethra in cases of obstructive urinary complaints.

46.2.3 Patient Counseling

Setting realistic patient expectations is critical to patient satisfaction. Prosthetic surgeons should have a thorough discussion with the patient regarding what to expect in the perioperative course including post-operative recovery time, risk of infection, and penile length.

In our experience, patients typically report a shorter recovery time than their initial surgery, likely because less dissection is required as the corpora have previously been dilated. They should be counseled about the potential need for a counterincision to remove the old reservoir in the case that it cannot be retrieved through the primary incision or in the event that the reservoir had be placed in an abdominal wall location.

The risk of infection in revision surgery is an important discussion point during preoperative counseling, particularly in patients who are dissatisfied due to a minor imperfection, but in whom the device is functional. The decision to hastily proceed to the operating room for revision of a device due to pump location, palpable or visible tubing and other aesthetic considerations should be avoided as it is likely not worth the risk of an infection. Depending on the nature of the patient’s complaint, a trial period of 6–12 months should always be urged prior to scheduling the patient for revision surgery as the patient may be more willing to accept certain imperfections over time. Our senior author’s admonition is “never rush to revision.”

Patients should be counseled that t he risk of infection increases with each subsequent revision surgery from less than 1% with primary implantation surgery to a rate of 8–18% with revision surgery [9–13]. Contemporary studies have demonstrated a benefit to using a washout protocol in revision surgery of a clinically uninfected and noneroded prostheses with a reported infection rate of less than 3% in cases where all components of the prosthesis were removed and the implant space washed out with an irrigation protocol [6, 14, 15]. We have moved away from the use of betadine and hydrogen peroxide as irrigation solutions instead using only copious antibiotic irrigation. Both betadine and hydrogen peroxide are tissue toxic and our group has demonstrated a remarkable nine fold increased infection risk for all implant cases (revision and virgin cases) using betadine irrigation with antibiotic irrigation versus just antibiotic irrigation alone (AUA abstract). Despite remarkable improvements in “first time implant” infection rates, a retrospective review of 44 patients presenting for IPP revision surgery to the Mayo Clinic had an increased rate of infection which correlated to how many revision operations they had undergone in the past [16]. As demonstrated in Fig. 46.2, as the number of previous IPP operations increased, the higher the risk of device infection. When the patients reached 4 revisions they had a 50% prevalence of having had an infection and on the 5th revision they had at least one IPP infection in their history.

Penile length is a common concern in IPP surgery, both in the primary and revision settings. Patients who have an IPP that is correctly sized and in place at the time of revision, can expect at the very least to maintain their current penile length. Typically, the implant space within the corpora will accommodate a slightly larger device than their previous cylinder size, allowing for upsizing of the device at time of revision. However, despite longer cylinders, the patient typically does not note a clinical length difference but may notice an increased girth if the new device allows for greater lateral expansion. Appreciation of improved penile girth is noted commonly, if an AMS cylinder is removed and a Coloplast cylinder substituted.

Patients in whom the device was explanted due to infection or erosion no longer have an implant in place. They can expect loss of length, sometimes to a devastating degree. The corpora of these patients are typically fibrotic and may be difficult to dilate, particular in post-infection cases. Patients who are likely to have corporal fibrosis due to history of prolonged ischemic priapism, diabetes, Peyronie’s disease, trauma, or intracavernosal injection therapy for erectile dysfunction should also be identified and counseled accordingly in the preoperative setting [17, 18] …. “We will give you a functional device, but it will not look or perform like it did before you had the infection.” This discouraging news, however, can be tempered by these words. “After 8-12 months of a daily inflation protocol, the device will act as a tissue expander. The cylinders will be too short and too thin. Then we can go back in and place a longer and wider cylinder.”

Patients with a functional IPP in place, who are pending revision surgery for this upsizing, should be advised to inflate their device daily to the point of discomfort and leave it inflated for several hours. This regime will assist in maximizing penile length and girth [19]. Those who do not have a penile implant in place should be encouraged to use a vacuum erection device daily for at least 7 weeks preceding surgery in an effort to expand the improve tunical compliance, influence the intracavernosal space, possibly impact the fibrosis development, and facilitate easier dilation at the time of IPP surgery [20]. Penile stretching devices may also have a role in maximizing penile size pre-procedure.

46.3.1 Corporal Fibrosis

Corporal fibrosis is a process that involves excessive deposition of scar tissue in response to infection, trauma, or ischemia [21]. It does not occur merely as a result of previous IPP surgery. In other words, routine removal of an implant for reasons of mechanical problems, physician error or patient dissatisfaction does not result in the development of fibrotic scar tissue in the space previously occupied by erectile tissue. These scarred corporal bodies may result from disease processes such as diabetes, Peyronie’s disease and arterial insufficiency. The development of corporal fibrosis is certain after extraneous and disastrous events such as priapism or the development of a device infection.

46.3.1.1 Infection

The most severe cases of corporal fibrosis occur after removal of an infected penile prosthesis, and are associated with significant penile shortening [22, 23]. Fibrosis secondary to infection is more common in the proximal corpora, making proximal dilation challenging. Dr. Karl Montague first advocated use of a transverse scrotal incision rather than vertical scrotal or infrapubic for allowing better access to the proximal corpora in difficult cases. We also recommend a generous transverse scrotal incision to maximize proximal exposure. Careful dissection to make the corpora “squeaky clean” where the lateral borders of the corpora are easily demonstrated should be undertaken. This sometimes requires clearing of tissue adherent to the corpora in the distal penis where a virgin plane is easily located. Pre-placed stay sutures both proximally and distally to the point of intended corporotomy facilitate finding the proper intracorporal space. Distal dilation should be undertaken first and is typically not too difficult. If any resistance is felt with distal dilation (more likely after priapism), extension of the existing incision or additional corporotomies should be placed. A distal counter incision is advisable in distal difficulty as the urethra is easily damaged by blind passage of small sharp instruments. Sometimes it is advisable to make the second corporotomy just under the glans so that this dilatation can be performed under direct vision (Fig. 46.3).

Care should be taken during dilation to direct the dilator away from the urethra while avoiding unnecessary force to prevent perforation. Next the distal measurement should be performed to estimate the remaining proximal distance (knowing previous total implant size) that may be required. Depending on the degree of fibrosis, sometimes making a cruciate puncture of the proximal corporal space with a #15 scapel blade (or alternatively Metzenbaum scissors) is needed to start the downward dissection away from the urethra between the undersurface of the tunica and the fibrotic area [24, 25]. Some advocate some scar tissue removal to facilitate corporal closure. Trans-corporeal resection using a 26-French resectoscope with loop has also been described as a means of corporal excavation [26]. We have had good results resecting the tissue by taking an electrosurgical pencil and bending the tip creating a surgical loop similar to the one used for TURP. The current is #1 Cut at 35 watts (Fig. 46.4).

Careful proximal serial dilation should be undertaken starting with a small dilator (6 Uramix or 8 Carrion Rossello) again erring laterally in an attempt to find the ischial tuberosity. The downside of using a small dilator is its propensity to perforate proximally where even experienced implanters have about a 50% proximal perforation rate. Suture slings as described by Wilson are commonly required (Fig. 46.5) [27]. Prior to making the initial corporotomy in a case with corporal fibrosis, the surgeon is miles ahead by first exposing the proximal corpora surface. This will facilitate proper instrument passage proximally as it will be under direct vision instead of blindly estimating the direction of the proximal corpora. Our senior author has excellent videos on the Video Journal of Prosthetic Urology web site showing how this maneuver is easily accomplished with sharp dissection and the insertion of two baby Deaver retractors (www.​vjpu-issm.​info) (Fig. 46.6).

This dissection and exposure of the entire proximal corpora reap benefit to help the surgeon locate the proper plane. Occasionally, one side is easily discovered and the other a challenge. Thus, if there is any doubt about the correct downward direction of the corpora on the first side, the other side should be attempted. Once the proper direction is found on one side, a dilator left in situ will help the surgeon find the other by comparison.

If proximal dilation is achieved with a 12 brooks dilator, a standard size device can be placed. Any hitch or resistance with a 12 brooks dilator should prompt the surgeon to use a narrow cylinder. Metal dilators are non-compressible and thus can find a way beyond a point of narrowing, while the proximal portion of the implant or rear tip extenders will accordion and will not seat properly. It is important in these fibrotic cases to exit the corporotomy at the junction of tubing and cylinder. If the tubing is in the proximal corpora as in most virgin implants, dilatation to more than 10 for a narrow base cylinder will be necessary. This, of course, is impossible in these difficult cases. To avoid burying the tubing, it is necessary to build up the base of cylinders used in reinsertion into scarred corporal bodies with rear tip extenders (RTE) . The surgeon can remember that the base of the narrow cylinder is 4 cm for both AMS and Coloplast devices, prior to reaching the input tubing juncture. A cylinder size must be chosen that allows the surgeon to add enough RTE to reach the measurement from corporal base to proximal beginning of the corporal incision. If the cylinder tubing is forced into the proximal corpora, this leads to inability to close the corpora, unnecessary pressure on the exit tubing often leading to inability to deflate the device, or folding of the cylinder fabric, a future area of weakness where the device might rupture.

We have needlessly struggled countless times when trying to place a standard device in this situation. It is not an admission of defeat to place a narrow cylinder. In our opinion, the best cylinder size for these difficult reinsertions is the Coloplast 16NB. This “downsized” cylinder when inflated is very close to the girth of a standard AMS 700 CX. The Coloplast 14NB and AMS 14, 16 CXR expand to a girth that is less generous. Clinical appearance of the penis is initially excellent even with narrows because of the stenotic corpora. With usage the device acts as a tissue expander lengthening and expanding girth of the scarred corpora. If the patient is dissatisfied, he can be assured that the downsized cylinders will accomplish preparation of the space for a standard size device for the next revision.

Timing to reimplantation is one of few modifiable factors to minimize the extent of fibrosis after infection. Reimplantation within 16 weeks allows sufficient time for the infection to be adequately treated, and it may be easier to identify the old corporal cavity before it becomes obliterated. A patient pending reimplantation after penile prosthesis infection should be advised to use a vacuum erection device for at least 10 minutes twice daily. Maximum stretching of the penis occurs typically by 7 weeks [20]. Figure 46.7 demonstrates a potential sequence following implant removal for infection.

46.3.2 Priapism

In contrast to corporal fibrosis associated with infection, the fibrosis encountered after priapism is most pronounced distally. While still challenging, IPP surgery in this setting is generally easier than in the post-infection cases. In contrast to the traditional transverse penoscrotal incision, a vertical midline incision is useful along the raphe with plans to extend the incision as far distally as needed for adequate exposure. Brooks dilators are preferred over Hegar dilators because instrument resistance is higher in response to narrowing. This is because the circumference of the dilator is the same over the entire length of the Hegar.

Distal dilation should never be forced, as small dilators easily find their way into the urethra. In this instance, the case should be aborted and a catheter left for only 1–2 days. If the urethra is damaged distally, resist the temptation to leave the Foley longer than 48 hours as this may cause stenosis of the fossa navicularis. The urine does not need to be diverted from the urethral laceration because it is so distal. Generally, implantation can be re-attempted after negative cystoscopy (typically 4–6 weeks after injury). If resistance is met during distal dilatation, extend the corporotomy. Each time the corporotomy extended 2–3 cm, place another set of stay sutures to give good traction against which to pass the instruments. Occasionally it is necessary to open up the entire corpora like the belly of a fish (Fig. 46.6). It is sometimes useful to excavate the corporal tissue. Several techniques have been described in the literature [22, 23, 25]. It has never been published but we find it useful to use the electrosurgical pencil to resect a larger channel to facilitate closure of the tunica over the cylinder (Fig. 46.3). The use of additional stay sutures and distal extension of the corporotomy is always the safest way to progress. Blind poking of sharp instruments from the original proximal corporotomy traversing the long distances in the distal corpora should be avoided.