LAUSR

Abstract Introduction Prosthetic surgery to treat erectile dysfunction has a risk of infection of up to 3%, but this risk can increase to 18% when the surgery involves replacement. This increased risk of infection is attributed to the bacterial colonization of the prosthesis during the initial surgery. Objective To analyze the presence of germs in the prosthesis that is withdrawn due to mechanical failure (not infection), as well as the surgical results and its progression. Materials and method A retrospective study was conducted of all replacements performed between 2013 and 2016 at a single center. We analyzed demographic data, prior type of prosthesis, surgical procedure, microbiological study and follow-up. Results Of the 12 replacement procedures, a microbiological study of the extracted prosthesis was performed in a total of 10 cases. Of the 10 replacements, the cultures were positive in 5 cases (50%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent germ. All patients underwent a flushing procedure, and an antibiotic-coated prosthesis was implanted. We recorded no infections with the new implanted device after a mean follow-up of 27.33 months (SD 4.13; 95% CI 18.22–36.43). Conclusion In our study population, we observed a high rate of bacterial colonization of the prostheses that were replaced due to mechanical failure. When a flushing procedure was performed during the replacement surgery, there were no more infections than those reported in treatment-naive cases.