Discovery of a Three-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Implant During Donor Dissection: Anatomical Case Study

Abstract

Penile prosthetic implants (PPIs) provide a definitive surgical solution for individuals requiring restoration of erectile function, most commonly due to medication-refractory erectile dysfunction (ED) or as part of gender-affirming surgical care. During the Anatomical Foundations of Clinical Practice (AFCP) course at Oakland University William Beaumont (OUWB) School of Medicine, a complete three-piece inflatable PPI was identified in a 66-year-old male donor with a medical history of congestive heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus type 2. The prosthesis included a fluid reservoir positioned in the lower abdominal cavity in the retropubic space, a scrotal pump with a release valve, and paired inflatable cylinders embedded within the penile shaft. This uncommon finding provided first-year medical students with a hands-on opportunity to examine the structure, placement, and function of a modern PPI. In addition to reinforcing foundational knowledge of ED treatment, the case highlighted the expanding clinical indications for penile implants, including their potential role in gender-affirming procedures. Integrating such real-world surgical findings into anatomical education enriches the learning experience of students and highlights the evolving scope of prosthetic urology across diverse patient populations.