Introduction: Standard technique (ST) for implantation of testosterone pellets involves making a single linear track in the subcutaneous tissue of the buttock from the incision. After our initial experience with this modality, we modified this surgical technique to our current "V" technique (VT). This involves two tracks both caudally directed and emanating from the same skin incision but angulated approximately 10-15 degrees apart. While this allows additional pellets to be inserted more easily, and increased space to place those pellets further from the skin incision, it minimally increases the surgical procedure.
Aim: We sought to examine the impact of this technical modification on therapeutic efficacy and surgical complication rates.
Methods: Retrospective chart review of all patients treated with testosterone pellets at our institution.
Main outcome measure: Complication rates for infection, extrusion, hematoma, and pain.
Results: One hundred sixty-eight patients underwent 281 implantation procedures (40 via ST and 241 via VT). The mode number of pellets used with ST was 8 (range 6-8) and with VT was 10 (range 10-13). Incidence of pellet extrusion was 7.5% with ST and 0.8% with VT. Infection complicated ST in 5% of cases but only 1.2% with VT. No cases of hematoma were seen with ST but 1.2% of VT cases. Pain prompting discontinuation of therapy was seen in 7.5% with ST and 1.7% with VT. Significant pain without discontinuation was seen in 5% with ST and 1.2% with VT. Only in 1 of the 3 cases of hematoma was the individual on blood thinners. Fifty-eight other insertions were performed on blood thinners without significant hematoma. None of the individuals who developed infection or bleeding required additional surgical therapy.
Conclusions: VT allows successful placement of larger number of pellets, with low rates of complications, especially extrusion, even in men on anticoagulants.
© 2011 International Society for Sexual Medicine.