The Efficacy of Suspensory Ligament Release and Pubic Lipectomy Via Penopubic Z Plasty During Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Improving Sexual Satisfaction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The utility of penile suspensory ligament release (SLR) in the setting of penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) has received limited attention in the literature.

Aim: To assess the efficacy and safety of penile SLR release, pubic lipectomy (PL), and the utility of penopubic Z-plasty (ZP) during malleable PPI in improving sexual satisfaction compared to that achieved with the conventional method.

Methods: Between August 2018 and April 2020, 61 patients with refractory erectile dysfunction were prospectively randomized into 2 groups; group A included 31 patients who underwent PPI with SLR and PL via ZP, and group B included 30 patients who underwent conventional PPI via a penoscrotal incision.

Outcomes: Penile length was assessed at 3 months, and sexual satisfaction was assessed up to 1 year after PPI using both validated and non-validated tools.

Results: The median operative time was higher in group A than in group B (170 min; interquartile range [IQR] [160-190] vs 97.5 min; IQR [90-110] P < .001).The median pre- to postoperative differences in functional and visible penile lengths for group A were 1.5 cm; IQR [0-2] and 2.5 cm; IQR [1-3.5], respectively, while those in group B were both 0 cm; IQR [-1 to 0] P < .001). Group A patients reported higher scores in the International Index of Erectile Function satisfaction domains than the group B patients did (13; IQR [12-14] and 9; IQR [8-10] vs 11; IQR [9.5-12] and 8; IQR [6.5-8.5], respectively, P < .001). Moreover, the postoperative Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction score was higher in group A than that in group B (95.40; IQR [91-97.7] vs 85.20; IQR [72.7-91], respectively, P < .001). Common complications in group A were penile edema (77.4%), penile instability (9.7%) and glans numbness (9.7%).

Clinical implications: The benefit in patient satisfaction following SLR and PL via ZP during PPI may outweigh the incremental increase in complications.

Strength & limitations: To our knowledge, this is the first prospective randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SLR, PL, and ZP during PPI. However, because an optimal tool for assessing sexual satisfaction after PPI is lacking at this time, we alternatively adopted the most used assessment tools. Further, our data applies only to malleable penile prosthesis.

Conclusion: SLR and PL via ZP during PPI resulted in a substantial improvement of the patients' sexual satisfaction without serious complications. Fotouh El Gharably MA, Ghoneima W, Lotfi MR, et al. The Efficacy of Suspensory Ligament Release and Pubic Lipectomy Via Penopubic Z Plasty During Penile Prosthesis Implantation in Improving Sexual Satisfaction: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial. J Sex Med 2022;19:852-863.

Keywords: Erectile Dysfunction; Penile Prosthesis; Pubic Lipectomy; Sexual Satisfaction; Suspensory Ligament.