Success with penile prosthesis from patient's viewpoint.

This study is designed to explore the patient's point of view on success with penile prosthesis. Detailed questionnaires were sent to 57 penile prosthesis recipients, 38 of whom responded. Overall, 89 per cent claimed improved sexual satisfaction, and 76 per cent noted improved self-image with their prostheses. Seventy-six per cent claimed their partners approved of the prosthetic device. Prosthetic appearance was satisfactory to 87 per cent. Five patients, knowing what they now know, would not have had the prosthetic implantation. A significant factor in 4 of the 5 patients was lack of partner approval. We conclude penile prosthesis implantation is successful in returning satisfactory sexual intercourse to impotent men and their partners. Partners of those desiring penile prosthesis should be included in the preoperative evaluation process.