Outcomes of and Satisfaction with the Inflatable Penile Prosthesis in the Elderly Male

Objective. To determine the outcomes of and satisfaction with the multi-component inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) in the elderly male (age >71). Methods. Using a chart review and telephone survey, we retrospectively assessed patients who underwent IPP or combined IPP/artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) from 2004–2006. Results. We identified 56 patients that underwent IPP (48) or IPP/AUS (8). The age range was 71–86 (mean 74.3) at the time of surgery, with a follow-up range of 0.5–2.4 years (mean 1.5). The overall complication rate was 3.8% (2 of 56) with one device removed for infection and a second patient requiring exploration for a postoperative hematoma. The telephone interview was conducted with 35 of 56 patients. Patients rated ease of use (a scale from 1–5, 5 meaning very easy) and overall satisfaction (a scale of 1–5, 5 meaning very satisfied) at an average of 4.1 and 4.3, respectively. IPP usage varied from 0–7 times per month (mean 3.3). 32 of 35 patients (91%) said they would undergo the procedure again. Conclusion. Our review demonstrates that the IPP is well tolerated in the elderly male population, who report a high degree of satisfaction and ease of use with this device. 1. Introduction and Objective Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in our society and this prevalence will increase with age. Life expectancy continues to increase with US men now living greater than 75 years [1]. It is estimated that up to 70% of males aged 70 have erectile dysfunction. The advent of oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors has allowed many men to regain normal sexual function and has placed the treatment of erectile dysfunction at the forefront of men’s health issues. When conservative therapy fails or when patients are not candidates for oral therapy, the multicomponent inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) remains the gold standard of treatment. The safety and efficacy of the IPP has been well documented, but in spite of this, urologists may be reluctant to offer an IPP to older patients due to various concerns, including those regarding impaired dexterity of older patients and their ability to operate an inflatable device. There is little published data specifically examining results of the IPP in elderly men. The objective of this study was to determine the outcome and satisfaction of the inflatable penile prosthesis in the elderly male (age >70 years). 2. Methods We conducted a single-center, two-phase analysis of patients over age 70 that underwent either IPP or combined IPP/Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) from 2004 to 2006. All patients