Experience with the Ultrex and Ultrex Plus inflatable penile prosthesis: new implantation techniques and surgical outcome

The Ultrex and Ultrex Plus penile prosthesis incorporate sequential design modifications that afford important functional advantages that reduce the potential for mechanical failure. This retrospective study reviews our experience with these models emphasizing innovations in surgical technique and postoperative results. Implantation of Ultrex (31%) and Ultrex Plus (69%) penile prosthesis was performed in 90 impotent men with organic erectile dysfunction following comprehensive multi-disciplinary evaluation. During a follow-up interval of 7–50 months, postoperative outcome was assessed. Of this group, 10% underwent simultaneous explant of another malfunctioning inflatable device or conversion from a semi-rigid prosthesis due to patient preference. Of the remainder, 20% selected implant surgery as their primary therapy while 73% were initially treated with various nonsurgical options prior to implantation. In all patients we employed a single peno-scrotal incision and applied the concept of controlled radial dilatation of all compartments. In our last 32 consecutive patients including eight with previous radical pelvic surgery, we utilized the preperitoneal distention balloon (PDB) facilitating safe and non-traumatic creation of the prevesical space for reservoir insertion. Post operative complications occurred in 8% of patients including pump infection and corporal deformity requiring reimplantation with AMS 700 CX cylinders, or self-contained unitarian prosthesis as a salvage procedure. Satisfactory, functional and anatomic outcome was reported in 95% of patients. Interim advances incorporated into the Ultrex and Ultrex Plus prosthesis have markedly reduced mechanical failure during our follow-up interval of up to 50 months. Importantly, controlled, non-traumatic radial dilatation of the prevesical space by the PDB may encourage broader use of the multicomponent inflatable models, particularly in a setting of pelvic fibrosis due to previous pelvic surgery or radiation.