Himplant® subcutaneous penile implant improves penile appearance and erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: a case series

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is a major postoperative complication following radical prostatectomy. Various treatments for post- radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction including nonsurgical phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, intraurethral alprostadil, intracavernosal injections and penile implant prosthesis, often yield suboptimal results. In this prospective single-center case series, we examine the efficacy and outcomes of Himplant®, a subcutaneous silicone penile implant, placement in four patients with post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction who experienced limited benefits with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Patient data including demographics, prostate cancer diagnoses, erectile dysfunction characteristics, previous treatments, and outcomes were collected. Himplant® placement was performed in a standardized manner through a high scrotal incision in all cases. Follow-up evaluations were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and any associated complications. Patients were contacted and asked 15 questions regarding satisfaction and erectile function with the responses recorded. This study presents findings of high patient satisfaction, increases in flaccid penile length and girth, no incidence of adverse events, and improved erectile function following Himplant® placement post-radical prostatectomy. Accordingly, we suggest Himplant® placement in patients who are frustrated by their penile appearance and suffering from erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy. Further multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings and assess long-term outcomes and patient-reported satisfaction.