(172) Managing Proximal Perforation of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis in Pelvic Trauma
Authors: Nguyen V , Hsieh T 
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Corporal perforation is a complication that occurs secondary to misdirected or over-aggressive dilation or weakened tunica albuginea. One major risk factor is corporal fibrosis, as the corpora is more difficult to dilate, and sharp dissection or counter-incisions may be required. Fibrosis is most commonly observed in patients with history of infection, priapism, Peyronie’s disease, or multiple revision surgeries. In the setting of pelvic trauma, normal anatomical landmarks can be altered leading to proximal perforation during dilation. Proximal corporal perforation first manifests as unequal corporal measurements intraoperatively or palpable malposition of the cylinder into the perineum.

Objective

Herein we discuss the case of a 24-year-old male with erectile dysfunction secondary to pelvic trauma who presents one year postoperatively with malposition of his right cylinder due to proximal migration from altered pelvic anatomy. We aim to describe our surgical techniques that can be utilized to correct proximal perforation.

Methods

Physical exam and preoperative imaging revealed grossly malpositioned right prosthetic cylinder. We utilized the prior transverse penoscrotal incision to deliver the scrotal pump from the surgical capsule. Given normal appearance of reservoir on imaging and duration from initial placement, only the scrotal pump and cylinders were exchanged. Bilateral cylinders were explanted through vertical corporotomies. Proximal measurements of 20cm on the left and 24cm on the right were consistent with corporal perforation. The Windsock procedure was performed by placing a 2–0 PDS suture from out to in through the tunica albuginea, through the right rear-tip extender, then in to out back through the albuginea of corporotomy. After copious irrigation of corporal space, new cylinders were placed using the modified rear tip extender. A new scrotal pump was placed in anterior dependent position. The device cycled properly in symmetric position bilaterally before all tissue layers were closed.

Results

The patient was observed overnight and discharged on post-operative day 1 after passing void trial. He was noted to be doing well at his post-operative clinic visit 6 weeks later and has been cleared for sexual activity.

Conclusions

We describe a patient with challenging anatomy due to extensive pelvic fracture leading to corporal perforation and proximal migration of a prosthetic cylinder. Due to lack of a normal pubic tubercle, we performed the Windsock sling procedure to provide posterior support of the right cylinder to prevent future proximal migration. An alternate approach is to secure the prosthesis tubing via sutures to the corporotomies is also presented. A critical intraoperative maneuver is evaluating for equal dilator depth alignment to recognize proximal perforation. These techniques can be applicable to other patients with altered anatomy secondary or in the setting of proximal corporal perforation.

Disclosure

Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Boston Scientific.