Objectives. The modern three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) has undergone multiple revisions since its introduction in 1973. We reviewed devices placed since the last major revision by American Medical Systems (AMS) in 1987.

Methods. A retrospective chart review was refined with data from an independent patient and partner survey.

Results. Two hundred twelve consecutive penile prosthetic devices placed by a single surgeon over an 8-year period are reviewed. One hundred sixty-nine of the devices were three-piece inflatables with 146 being primary implants. The average device has been in place 36.5 months (range 9 to 102). The infection rate in 146 primary three-piece devices was 2.1%. The infection rate in 46 secondary implants or revisions was 6.5%, excluding seven salvage attempts. Mechanical failure in 122 primary AMS devices placed was 4.1%. Mechanical failure in 24 Mentor devices was 4.2% if one discounts connector failures that were revised in 1990. A surgical complication and revision rate of 1.4% was noted in the 146 primary implants. An independent telephone survey achieved a 57% and 24% response rate in patients and partners with three-piece devices placed. In the group of 86 patients with a primary three-piece device placed and complete follow-up, the probability of having a normally functioning device placed in a single operative procedure was 90.6% at 3 years. On a 1 to 10 scale looking at all primary devices, secondary devices, revisions, and infections, the average and median satisfaction rate was as follows: 8.2, 8.5; 8.4, 9.0; 7.7, 7.75 for the Ultrex patients, CX 700 and Mentor patients, and all partners, respectively.

Conclusions. The modern three-piece IPP is an excellent surgical option offering a very safe, reliable return to sexual activity for our patients.