A survey of patients with inflatable penile prostheses: assessment of timing and frequency of intercourse and analysis of implant durability.

Introduction: This study was conducted to determine how long after inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery patients attempt sexual intercourse and the frequency of subsequent relations. We also examined survival-related factors for the AMS 700 CX, Mentor Alpha 1, and Mentor Alpha Narrow Base.

Aims: The aim was to survey men who received IPPs and collect information about their return to sexual function and frequency of use, and to assess the resilience of their devices.

Methods: Phase I involved retrospective chart review of 1,298 virgin IPP surgeries performed by one surgical team from January 1992 to December 1998. Phase II included 330 subjects selected by stratified, systematic, random sampling from phase I patients. Data were collected by computer-assisted telephone interview, using a 27-question survey. All patients had been instructed to wait 4 weeks before using the implant and were taught how to inflate/deflate their prostheses at the 4-week postsurgical visits.

Main Outcome Measures: The survey examines the length of time after surgery for men to resume sexual function. In the same study, information was garnered about mechanical durability of the device.

Results: Among phase I subjects, the 5-year survival rate was 83% (N = 1,069) for IPP revision for any reason. Of the 330 phase II subjects, 248 (75%) were successfully contacted; 199 (80%) responded to the full survey and 49 (20%) responded to selected parts of the survey. Sexual intercourse was resumed postoperatively at 1-4 weeks for 41% (78/190), at 5-6 weeks for 31% (59/190), at 7-8 weeks for 16% (30/190), and at >8 weeks for 12% (23/190) of the patients. More than 60% of patients reported using their IPP at least once weekly.

Conclusion: The three-piece IPP has excellent 5-year survival rates. Most patients return to sexual activity relatively quickly, with high frequency of usage of their prostheses.