Is a closed-suction drain advantageous for penile implant surgery? The debate continues.
BACKGROUND
The debate about leaving a closed-suction drain during penile implant surgery remains unsolved. What is the current thinking about the pros and cons of leaving a scrotal drain for inflatable penile implant (IPP) surgery?


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to explore the fund of existing information, and formulate a point and counterpoint debate analyzing the drain issue for implant surgery.


METHODS
Two differing points of view are given to answer the question of benefit vs. risk drains in implant patients.


METHODS
To facilitate the debate about a longstanding urologic question.


RESULTS
There are two conflicting points presented in this manuscript, one supporting drain placement, the other opposing it in light of the risks and benefits.


CONCLUSIONS
Without prospective randomized controlled trials specifically looking at drain placement following IPP, it is unclear whether or not this intervention is beneficial. Until a study of this type is performed, leaving a drain will largely remain a surgeon preference.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine-Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. akramer@smail.umaryland.edu
Andrew
A
Kramer
Ellen
E
Goldmark
Jason
J
Greenfield
D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000601:surgery*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015917:Penile Prosthesis; D010413:Penis / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D013396:Suction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*