Surgeons Corner: Cavernoscopy for Rear Tip Extender Removal

Abstract

Introduction: Cavernoscopy (using a cystoscope in the corpora) is traditionally used to retrieve rear tip extenders (RTEs) that are embedded at the time of removal or replacement of inflatable penile prostheses.

Aim: To describe indications and techniques of cavernoscopy.

Methods: We describe our preferred method of cavernoscopy to retrieve retained rear tips and present a thorough review of the literature regarding cavernoscopy.

Main outcome measure: Ability of cavernoscopy to retrieve embedded rear tips without causing complications.

Results: Cavernoscopy is feasible anecdotally in case reports, but other less-invasive methods of retrieving RTEs seem to have similar efficacy.

Conclusion: Cavernoscopy is a technically feasible procedure that can be attempted as part of a stepwise algorithm for removing retained RTEs. Thirumavalavan N, Hoover CRV, Gross MS. Surgeons Corner: Cavernoscopy for Rear Tip Extender Removal. J Sex Med 2018;15:1195-1197.

Keywords: Cavernoscopy; Inflatable Penile Prosthesis; Rear Tip Extender; Surgical Complications.