Access to penile prostheses differ across provinces in Canada: A survey of Canadian urologists

Authors

  • Stewart Whalen Department of Urology, Dalhousie University
  • Gavin Langille Department of Urology, Dalhousie University
  • Josh White Department of Urology, Dalhousie University
  • Greg Bailly Department of Urology, Dalhousie University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.6867

Keywords:

Men's Health, Erectile Dysfunction, penile prostheses, equity

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical implantation of a penile prosthesis is the gold standard treatment for refractory erectile dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of and access to these procedures in Canada.

Methods: Canadian urologists known to perform penile prostheses procedures were surveyed on areas such as surgical volume, type of device used, and the direct cost to patients for both malleable and inflatable devices.

Results: Of the 50 urologists invited to participate in the study, 34 (68%) completed the online survey. Participants represented nine Canadian provinces and included a mix of academic (65%) and community (35%) urologists. Most participants (79%) performed less than 10 procedures per year. Roughly three-quarters of participants (74%) used inflatable devices in over 90% of cases, while half implanted inflatable devices exclusively. The most common devices implanted were American Medical Systems (AMS). Participants from Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland reported full coverage for both malleable and inflatable devices. Saskatchewan was the only province where no coverage was reported. The remaining provinces were found to have variable degrees of coverage. Across all centers without full coverage, the median reported cost to patients for a malleable and inflatable device was $5000 and $6000, respectively.

Conclusions: The urologists surveyed most commonly perform inflatable penile prostheses procedures. Significant geographical differences exist with respect to reported coverage for these procedures. This study highlights the need for continued advocacy on behalf of the urological community towards the goal of equity in coverage for penile prostheses across Canada.

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Author Biographies

Stewart Whalen, Department of Urology, Dalhousie University

Urology Resident

Gavin Langille, Department of Urology, Dalhousie University

Assistant Professor, Department of Urology, Dalhousie University

Josh White, Department of Urology, Dalhousie University

Urology Resident

Greg Bailly, Department of Urology, Dalhousie University

Professor and Chair, Department of Urology, Dalhousie University

Published

2020-12-15

How to Cite

Whalen, S., Langille, G., White, J., & Bailly, G. (2020). Access to penile prostheses differ across provinces in Canada: A survey of Canadian urologists. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 15(7), E346–9. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.6867

Issue

Section

Original Research