Inflatable penile implant for impotence: radiologic evaluation

A hydraulic four-part prosthetic device to enable penile erection is being implanted into selected patients with organic or psychogenic impotence. By controlling a pump mechanism implanted into the scrotum, the patient can cause penile erection and its subsidence. Complications of the procedure are related to the surgery and the mechanics of the prosthesis. Radiography is invaluable in detecting cylinder ballooning, cylinder buckling, fluid leaks from the system, and tube kinking. Radiographic evaluation of the device is done with a single, carefully monitored film with the penis in the oblique position and, if necessary, additional films in the anteroposterior position with the prosthesis inflated or deflated.