Late hematogenous infection of penile prostheses.

Late deep wound infection caused by hematogenous bacterial spread from a remote focus is a rare but disastrous complication of prosthetic devices. Six patients with probable late hematogenous infection are described. The initial implantation was free of contamination and infection, and a long functional interval ensued. A febrile process associated with a painful, swollen penis followed a probable remote infection source that was not covered with prophylactic antibiotics. All prostheses required removal. Prophylactic antibiotics may prevent these late hematogenous infections.