0.05% Chlorhexidine gluconate is not associated with infection in antibiotic impregnated inflatable penile prosthesis surgery: results from a large multi-institutional collaborative
Abstract Background 0.05% Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) is now commonly used as an antiseptic irrigation for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery. Limited in vitro data suggest compatibility of 0.05% CHG with antibiotic impregnated IPP devices; however, very little clinical research exists to guide use of 0.05% CHG in this population. Aim Assess the relationship of 0.05% CHG and antibiotic impregnated IPP infection in a large multi-institutional cohort. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a multi-institutional cohort of patients who underwent antibiotic impregnated IPP implantation. We identified cases using intraoperative 0.05% CHG and an equal number of consecutive control cases without 0.05% CHG use from each center for comparison. The primary outcome was IPP infection requiring explantation. Patient demographics and surgical variables were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression to identify variables associated with infection. Outcomes The primary outcome was IPP infection requiring device explanation. Results Among 14 participating institutions, 761 cases using an antibiotic impregnated IPP were analyzed. Of these, 348 (45.7%) had 0.05% CHG used during the case. Median follow-up was 4 months (interquartile range 1-12) for the 0.05% CHG group and 8 months (interquartile range 2-21) for the control group. Intraoperative 0.05% CHG utilization was not associated with antibiotic impregnated IPP infection rate (1.9% vs. 2.0%, P = .9). On multivariable analysis, prior IPP infection (OR 6.32, 95% CI 1.32-30.2, P = .021) and prior priapism (OR 10.01, 95% CI 1.18-89.7, P = .039) were associated with increased infection risk. Clinical implications The use of 0.05% CHG irrigation with antibiotic impregnated IPPs was associated with similar infection rates compared to antibiotic irrigation. Strengths and limitations Limitations include the use of a historical comparator cohort which may introduce unknown confounders, practice variation between multiple sites, shorter follow-up in the 0.05% CHG cohort, and the low incidence of IPP infection which may limit statistical power despite a large sample. The major strengths include the large, multi-institutional cohort, and the use of consecutive patients to minimize selection bias. Conclusion 0.05% CHG utilization was not associated with infection rates in antibiotic impregnated IPPs.
(294) Use of 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Associated With Increased Odds of Wound Complications After Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Multi-Institutional Cohort Study
Abstract Introduction With the growing use of 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) as irrigation and dip for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery, understanding the possible relationship between CHG use and non-infectious complications is imperative. Such information may guide provider decision-making during implant surgery. Objective We therefore sought to determine whether the use of 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery was associated with non-infectious wound complications. Methods We performed a multi-institutional retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing IPP surgery from January 2017 to March 2024. The primary outcome was wound complications (ex. rash, wound dehiscence, edema). Secondary outcomes included other non-infectious complications (Table 1). The primary exposure was whether patients received intraoperative CHG either as irrigation or dip. Descriptive comparisons were used to compare CHG and non-CHG cohorts. Univariable logistic regression was utilized to assess if CHG use was associated with any non-infectious complication. Multivariable logistic regression was subsequently performed to assess factors associated with certain non-infectious complications after IPP surgery – controlling for age, body mass index, race, diabetes, and hypertension as covariables. Results Across 2,933 patients, there were 1,573 non-CHG and 1,359 CHG patients. Non-infectious complications occurred in 83 (5%) non-CHG patients and in 65 (5%) CHG patients. Median follow-up was 22 months (IQR 7-59) for non-CHG patients and 8 months (IQR 3-16) for CHG patients. The incidence of wound complications was greater among CHG patients than non-CHG patients (1.0% vs. 0.1%, p<0.01). On univariable logistic regression, CHG use was associated with increased odds of wound complications (OR 7.34, 95% CI 1.65-32.71) but was not associated with any other non-infectious complication (Table 2). On multivariable logistic regression, CHG use remained associated with an increased odds of wound complications (OR 13.86, 95% CI 1.80-106.44). Conclusions Among patients experiencing non-infectious complications after IPP, CHG use during IPP surgery appears to be associated with an increased odds of wound complications. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast Corporation and Boston Scientific
(177) IPP Glans Ischemia Versus Severe Bruising: A Clinical Dilemma
Abstract Introduction Glans ischemia and subsequent necrosis is a rare but devastating complication of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement. Differentiating true glans ischemia from severe ecchymosis can be difficult but is critical, particularly in light of the adage, “when in doubt, take it out.” However, post-operative glans discoloration can be misleading and result in premature device explantation. Objective To present clinical cases and identify distinguishing features between true glans ischemia and pronounced post-operative ecchymosis, with emphasis on risk factors and evaluation techniques. Methods A retrospective case series was conducted on four IPP patients in 2025 who presented with significant glans discoloration concerning for ischemia. Key operative variables, physical exam findings, and postoperative images were reviewed. Additionally, a prospective database of 298 implants placed under local anesthesia since 2024 was analyzed for glans bruising severity on postoperative day (POD) 3, using a 0–4 scale. Results Common ischemia risk factors included tight circumferential wrap (e.g., Coban), vasculopathy (e.g., prior arterial bypass), prolonged catheterization, and concomitant procedures. Case 1: History of pelvic radiation with ecchymotic meatus and glans. Improved after wrap removal and better lighting. Case 2: Extensive ecchymosis and discoloration of glans and scrotum noted on POD1 after uneventful IPP under local. Case 3: Patchy glans discoloration after multiple Keith needle passes. Skin tone complicated assessment. Case 4: Severe glans bruising immediately post-op following multiple needle passes due to suture breakage. In all cases, the glans was warm, well-perfused, and not painful out of proportion to appearance. No patients required explantation. Glans bruising rates in 298 implants under local anesthesia were: 0 (3.7%), 1 (48.7%), 2 (25.5%), 3 (21.1%), 4 (0.3%), notably higher than with general anesthesia. Key Clinical Indicators: Favors Hematoma: • Vascular corpora • Small/no catheter • Bruising elsewhere • Wrap excluded glans • No blistering • No paresthesias • Glans warm to touch Favors Ischemia: • Avascular corpora • Large indwelling catheter • Minimal bruising elsewhere • Coban wrap on shaft • Blistering present • Pain or paresthesias • Glans cold to touch Conclusions Significant glans bruising can mimic ischemia, particularly in IPPs placed under local anesthesia. Factors such as multiple Keith needle passes, tight wrapping, and poor photographic lighting may contribute to this diagnostic confusion. Warm, non-painful glans with widespread ecchymosis are reassuring. Avoiding premature explantation requires thorough clinical assessment, device unwrapping, and close patient monitoring. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: UroFill, Coloplast, Boston Scientific, Rigicon
(036) Irrigation With 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Associated With Hydrophilic Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Infection: A Large Multi-Institutional Cohort Study
Abstract Introduction 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) has gained popularity as an irrigant and dip for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery. Prior in vitro data is conflicting on the impact of CHG use with hydrophilic coated devices. Objective We sought to identify possible associations between CHG use and hydrophilic IPP infection rate. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 2,933 patients undergoing IPP implantation across 14 referral centers. Data collection spanned from January 1, 2017 to March 1, 2024. Each surgeon contributed patients who underwent IPP implantation with CHG used as an irrigant and/or dip as well as an equal number of consecutive control patients without CHG use. The primary outcome was IPP explant for postoperative infection. Univariable analysis was used to compare patient demographics, and logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with infection. Results Hydrophilic devices were implanted in 2,150 patients. Median follow-up for non-CHG patients was 13 months (IQR 18) and four months (IQR 9) for CHG patients. The incidence of infection with intraoperative CHG use was significantly higher compared to those without CHG use (4.6%, 46/1,001 vs. 2.1%, 24/1,148, p<0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, intraoperative CHG use was associated with infection (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.24-3.47, p=0.01). Additional variables associated with infection included immunosuppression, prior IPP infection, prior priapism, and revision surgery (p<0.01, Table). On subgroup analyses, the increased infection risk of CHG was most clear when CHG was used as both irrigation and dip (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.19-3.46, p=0.01) and when CHG was used during revision surgery (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.15-9.82, p=0.03). Conclusions In a large multi-institutional cohort, intraoperative CHG use was associated with an elevated incidence of hydrophilic IPP infection. Providers may take these findings into consideration when performing IPP surgery with hydrophilic devices, especially during revision surgery. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast Corporation and Boston Scientific
Intraoperative 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Utilization Is Associated With an Increased Incidence of Infection in Hydrophilic Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery: A Multi-Institutional Cohort Study