PENILE PROSTHETIC INFECTION - MANAGEMENT BY DELAYED AND IMMEDIATE SALVAGE TECHNIQUES

Objectives. A retrospective review was performed to determine success rates using explantation plus delayed (3 days) versus immediate reimpl antation in managing an infected penile prosthesis. Methods. During a 9-year period, 41 patients who presented with an infected penile prost hesis underwent a salvage procedure. Group A (n = 31) underwent a dela yed salvage procedure and group B (n = 10) underwent an immediate salv age procedure. Results. Successful salvage occurred in 71% in group A (delayed) and 80% in group B (immediate). Follow-up ranged from 30 to 108 months in group A and 5 to 16 months in group B. Analysis showed n o statistically significant difference between the two treatment group s (P = 0.58). Failed salvage procedures were managed with device expla ntation and later reimplantation at 4 to 6 months. Conclusions. In pro per patient selection, immediate salvage appears as successful as dela yed salvage procedures. Significant savings of healthcare dollars can be realized by an immediate salvage procedure if success rates prevail with longer term follow-up. UROLOGY 52: 287-290, 1998. (C) 1998, Else vier Science Inc. All rights reserved.