(545) Frankenstein & Beyond: IPP Fixes with Pump Exchange and Fluid Addition
Authors: Ungerer G , Mian A , Parikh N , Kohler T 
Published: May 2023

Introduction

We report outcomes for patients in which the IPP became unusable by the patient because of pump difficulties or inadequate fluid volume in the IPP system.

Objective

We sought to assess outcomes of penile implant single component exchange or fluid instillation in a cohort of patients, challenging the entire device replacement dogma.

Methods

17 patients underwent single component exchange by a single surgeon. CT scan was obtained to ensure device integrity, assess for air in the system, and to delineate device details. In cases of pump difficulties, the old pump was removed and replaced with a “classic” Genesis Coloplast pump regardless of initial device brand (“Frankenstein” if brands are mixed). Patients are taught pump rocking techniques and have &gt; 6 months of difficulty before exchange. Patients are warned of auto-inflation as there is no lock out valve in the Genesis pump. For fluid addition to the system, the two old connector collars are separated and sometimes re-used after saline is added to only the cylinders. We never add fluid to the reservoir using a piston syringe for fear of reservoir capsule rupture into adjacent structures. Revisions were copiously irrigated, as of 2022, with Irrisept.

Results

Pump exchange: 14 patients underwent single component pump exchange secondary to inability for the patient to be able to adequately cycle the device (11 AMS MS, 1 Coloplast Touch). Remarkable differences were noted in pump cycling between office exam (difficult), exam under anesthesia prior to incision (sometimes difficult), and once the pump is removed from its capsule (universally easy). Complications of these 14 patients include 1 fungal infection requiring replacement with a malleable device and one repeat pump exchange (AMS MS - AMS MS - Genesis). Two patients noted non-bothersome minor auto-inflation. The single Coloplast case had a remarkably thickened capsule after a likely low grade infection. All patients can successfully use their devices now. Fluid Addition: Three patients underwent fluid addition to the system. One had a significant proximal aneurysm for which we added 35 ml. A different case had both a pump exchange and 30 ml added to the system as the initial reservoir appeared to have folded cordoning off fluid. The final fluid addition occurred 18 months after initial Coloplast 22+2 cm placement in which the patient very aggressively cycled the device and could not obtain 10/10 erection. 30 ml was added to the system totaling 140 cc. All patients have done well with fluid addition with mean time since surgery of 1 year.

Conclusions

Pump exchange with genesis pump or simple fluid addition to the system are safe and feasible and successfully restores IPP functionality. The Frankenstein strategy is a viable alternative, although patients must be counseled that auto-inflation may occur. With modern day irrigation techniques and CT confirmation of fluid system integrity, the dogma to replace the entire device may actually carry higher morbidity in some patients.

Disclosure

No