Insights from Prof. Steven K. Wilson on Improving Penile Implant Surgery Outcomes in Turkey – Rigicon’s Supportive Role

This week, Safe Urology Clinic had the honor of hosting Prof. Steven K. Wilson, a globally recognized authority in penile prosthesis surgery. With over 50 years of surgical experience and thousands of successful cases worldwide, Prof. Wilson provided vital recommendations aimed at reducing postoperative complications in penile implant surgery procedures — particularly in Turkey.

Who is Prof. Steven K. Wilson?

Prof. Wilson has led the field of prosthetic urology since the early 1970s, actively contributing to the evolution of penile implants and urinary sphincters. His global training efforts and clinical experience uniquely qualify him to assess regional challenges and promote best practices.

Common Challenges in Turkey’s Penile Implant Surgery

Prof. Wilson identified several outdated techniques still used in some Turkish clinics that may increase complication rates:

• Preoperative Antiseptics: Many centers continue to use povidone-iodine (betadine), but research supports switching to 4% chlorhexidine with isopropyl alcohol for more effective skin decontamination.
• Surgical Draping: Non-adhesive cloth towels allow bacterial migration into the surgical field. Prof. Wilson recommends adhesive U-drapes, widely used in orthopedic surgery, to isolate and protect the surgical site.
• Retractor Technique: Efficient retractor use improves visibility and reduces operative time. Completing surgery within one hour is critical, as each additional minute can increase complication risk by 1%.

Comparative Surgical Outcomes

In the U.S., the adoption of modern surgical protocols has significantly improved outcomes:

• Primary implant surgeries in non-diabetic patients show ~1% complication rates.
• For diabetic patients, the rate is around 2.2%.
• Revision surgeries, once associated with 10–18% complication rates, now average 2–3%.

In contrast, Turkey still experiences notably higher rates, highlighting the need for updated practices.

Rigicon’s Role in Advancing Surgical Excellence

Rigicon, a leading urology-focused medical device company, partners with experts like Prof. Wilson to raise surgical standards in Turkey by:

• Supplying reusable, sterilizable retractors to optimize operative exposure.
• Hosting training programs focused on antisepsis, surgical draping, and procedural efficiency.

These initiatives aim to reduce complication rates and support the success of penile prosthesis procedures in the region.

Prof. Wilson’s Key Recommendations

1. Use modern antiseptics – Replace betadine with 4% chlorhexidine and isopropyl alcohol.
2. Apply adhesive drapes – Utilize U-drapes to fully isolate the surgical field.
3. Reduce operating time – Aim to finish within one hour.
4. Use appropriate retractors – Ensure proper retraction without additional assistance.

Penile Implant Surgery Implementation at Safe Urology Clinic

At Safe Urology Clinic, we have fully embraced these best practices for years. Our surgical protocols emphasize strict antiseptic procedures, modern draping methods, efficient surgical flow, and proper instrument use. As a result, we maintain some of the lowest postoperative complication rates in Turkey.

Prof. Wilson’s visit reinforced a crucial message: Penile implant surgery Turkey is highly safe and effective when modern techniques are applied consistently. With support from companies like Rigicon and commitment from clinics like ours, Turkey continues to move toward safer and more successful surgical outcomes.