Proximal Corporal Perforation During Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Prevention, Recognition, and Review of Historical and Novel Management Strategies.

BACKGROUND: Proximal corporal perforation at time of dilation, although rare, may occur due to factors related to patient anatomy, presence of intra-cavernosal fibrosis, and/or surgical technique.

AIM: To describe tools and techniques designed to prevent and identify proximal corporal perforation, and maneuvers to minimize the risk of subsequent cylinder migration once proximal perforation has been recognized, such that the operation may proceed and result in an acceptable outcome.

METHODS: We discuss tips for prevention, recognition, and management of proximal corporal perforation by presenting a review of the literature as well as our preferences based on a high-volume experience with penile prosthesis surgery.

OUTCOMES: Described techniques aim to minimize risk of cylinder migration in the absence of true proximal repair.

RESULTS: Although proximal perforation may be obvious at times, particularly with a sudden loss of resistance during dilation, discrepant corporal measurements and/or dissimilar proximal deflection of the dilator should also increase the index of suspicion. Numerous techniques have been employed to theoretically reduce the risk of cylinder migration in the setting of proximal corporal perforation. These include formal corporal repair (historical), windsock repairs with non-absorbable grafts, absorbable plugs, and suture fixation of the rear tip extender or shod material covering implant tubing.

CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Intra-operative recognition of proximal corporal perforation, coupled with understanding of surgical strategies to minimize the risk of future device migration, may allow completion of an operation that still results in an optimal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: Techniques described to prevent proximal migration are not strongly evidence-based, but rooted in logic and supported by high-volume implanters. Intra-operative perforation of the proximal corpora, although rare, can threaten the success of penile implant surgery, though the techniques described herein have been developed to mitigate the potential for subsequent device migration, allowing surgery to proceed and to achieve the desired clinical result. Pearlman AM, Terlecki RP. Proximal Corporal Perforation During Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Prevention, Recognition, and Review of Historical and Novel Management Strategies. J Sex Med 2018;15:1055-1060.