ULTREX CYLINDERS - PROBLEMS WITH UNCONTROLLED LENGTHENING (THE S-SHAPED DEFORMITY)

Purpose: We investigated whether the AMS Ultrex dagger cylinder, devel oped to provide cylinder lengthening while controlling girth expansion , acted as a tissue expander and, thus, promoted penile lengthening. M aterials and Methods: Between December 1990 and January 1992, 59 AMS U ltrex prostheses were implanted. Cylinder length corresponded to intra corporeal measurements. The results of lengthening and occurrence of a n S-shaped deformity were statistically analyzed. Results: No penile l engthening occurred. In 19 patients (32%) cylinder replacement was req uired for the S-shaped deformity. Conclusions: Ultrex cylinders should be downsized and prolonged inflation should be avoided. They should n ot be implanted in cases of Peyronie's disease, or to replace malleabl e or self-contained inflatable implants.