ABSTRACT
Introduction: The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has been used to treat erectile dysfunction for 40 years. Loss of penile length following IPP remains the single biggest patient complaint. We describe a preoperative and postoperative patient preparation protocol to assist in setting realistic patient expectations and decreasing the complaint of reduced penile length. Materials & Methods: 750 Patients are instructed to use a vacuum erection device for 10 minutes each day for up to 2 months prior to IPP implant. After two months, maximization of cylinder length is accomplished regardless of IPP manufacturer. Cylinders are left partially inflated in the post-operative period and daily inflation for 3 months immediately upon patient tolerance. The average implanted cylinder length has increased dramatically with the preoperative vacuum usage when compared to the authors’ previous implantations and when compared to the national average of implanted cylinders obtained from one manufacturer. Results: Preoperative use of the vacuum device has allowed maximization of cylinder length. After the vacuum program, patients tend to experience less pain following implantation allowing earlier device instruction cycling and use. The average implanted cylinder length continued to increase annually for the first 5 years as the protocol evolved and seems to have remained stable for the last five years. Conclusions: Preoperative vacuum usage and postoperative capsule management has nearly eliminated patient complaints of reduced penile length. We believe this to be the result of larger size cylinders being implanted when compared to our previous implantations absent of the patient participation protocol.27133
http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInfor ... erID=27133
There are some very interesting points on the document that some members who have been implanted by top doctors mention here, specifically about size maintenance. Like ''when you are properly sized, the cylinders are completely stretched when erect, but flaccid you have some kinks. '' cases like c_lab and merrix come to mind. (merrix, what do you think of this?)
In my opinion this article should be showed to all new members who are scheduled for surgery, and even if not it should be standard knowledge to anybody considering having an implant, given the profound implications it might have on a person, in terms of happiness and satisfaction!!!!
