Abstract
Aim
The incidence of direct inguinal hernia and reservoir migration post-penile prosthesis implantation is extremely rare. We present a case series of patients presenting with direct inguinal hernia following three-piece penile prosthesis implantation.
Material and Methods
Three patients presented with direct inguinal hernia shortly following penile prosthesis implantation for treatment of refractory erectile dysfunction due to venous leak that was confirmed on ultrasound imaging. All patients underwent standard open Lichtenstein tension free repair.
Results
All patients underwent penile prosthesis Implantation through a peno-scrotal approach in which the reservoir was placed in the space of Retzius. The first patient had reservoir displacement one day post-operatively presenting as an inguinal bulge and discomfort, and repaired the same day. The other two patients presented with symptoms of inguinal swelling and pain at 40 days and 8 months respectively. None of our patients had signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction. Identifiable risk factors included high BMI and a history of smoking, however dissection and placement of the reservoir may play a role in weakening the floor of the inguinal canal.
Conclusions
Despite the rare incidence of inguinal hernia post-penile prosthesis implantation, identification of patients with risk factors for inguinal hernia development should be done preoperatively. This may be evaluated through preoperative radiologic imaging with an abdominal wall ultrasound or clinical examination by a general surgeon.
Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Refractory Ischaemic Priapism: Patient Selection and Special Considerations
