Penile prosthesis implantation and couple's satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
Implant surgery is the most acceptable curative choice for patients with erectile dysfunction and their partners, since the results are excellent with regard to the couple's pleasure and the materials used are extremely manageable.


METHODS
We performed 46 prosthesis implantations in patients with erectile dysfunction: in 22 patients we implanted soft prostheses; in 20 malleable prostheses; in 1 a mono-component prosthesis, and in 3 patients a tri-component model. All patients and partners were evaluated using a questionnaire.


RESULTS
We obtained a degree of satisfaction equal to 82% against 18% dissatisfaction due to a sensation of 'unnaturalness' report by the partner, with low perioperative and postoperative complications.


CONCLUSIONS
In our opinion the degree of satisfaction of the patient is currently the only legitimate indicator to establish the effectiveness of therapy.
Porena
M
M
Urology Department, University of Perugia, Italy.
Mearini
L
L
Mearini
E
E
Marzi
M
M
Zucchi
A
A
D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019935:Penile Implantation / Q000523:psychology*; D010411:Penile Induration / Q000150:complications; D015917:Penile Prosthesis; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*