Follow-up questionnaires with 60 questions were sent to 212 patients with valid addresses in whom some type of penile prosthesis had been implanted between December 1983 and February 1993;79(37.2%) of the questionnaires were returned. The types
of
prosthesis and mean follow-up periods were:
The mean postoperative recovery times were : to resume sexual intercourse 2 months; to return to regular daily acivities 3 months; and until intercourse was no longer painful 4 months. Increased desire for intercourse was reported by 44.4% of the
patients, an increase in sexual ability by 55.5%, and an increase in self-confidence by 72.2%. Premature ejaculation was significantly decreased from 67.7% to 40.3% postoperatively(P<0.01), but the problem itself was not completely resolved. The
patient
and partner satisfaction rates were:
In a society where Confucian philosophy has historically been the framework of daily life, sexual problems have been regarded as taboo and traditionally accepted as a normal aging process. Patient life satisfaction increased significantly(P<0.05)
after
implantation of the malleable types of prosthesis, probably because of low expectations. Contrary to our expectations, the satisfaction rate with the 3-piece inflatable device was lower than that of the malleable one, probably because of either
the
short follow-up or unrealistic expectations. Thorough preoperative understanding of the prospects for satisfaction and the necessary physical adjustment on the part of patients and partners is necessary to reduce unrealistic expectations of the
outcome
of the operation.
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