Penile prosthesis surgery is a procedure requiring maximum rigor regarding infection control due to the implantation of a foreign device into the body. Like any surgical procedure, prosthesis surgery carries certain risks, and the surgeon's objective is to minimize these risks. In this context, the risks, infection rates, and protection protocols of penile prosthesis surgery must be meticulously evaluated.
Primary Risk: Prosthesis Infection
The most serious complication that can develop after penile implant surgery is infection. If bacterial accumulation (biofilm formation) occurs on the prosthesis, antibiotics may prove insufficient, potentially requiring the removal of the device. To minimize this risk, the following precautions are implemented:
- Antibiotic-Impregnated Devices: High-quality implants coated with special antibiotics (such as InhibiZone) are utilized.
- No-Touch Surgical Technique: Specialized surgical drapes and sterile techniques are applied to prevent direct contact between the prosthesis and the patient's skin.
- Prophylactic Antibiotic Use: Potent intravenous antibiotics are administered to the patient prior to and following the surgery.
Risk of Mechanical Failure
The risk of mechanical failure or fluid leakage in new-generation penile implants is extremely low. Most manufacturers offer a lifetime mechanical warranty for these devices. Consequently, when performed by experienced hands in full adherence to sterilization protocols, the overall complication rate of prosthesis surgery is around 1-2%.