Advancing Surgical Training: The New ESSM Masterclass for Penile Prosthesis Implantation

Abstract

Introduction: Penile prosthesis implantation is a complex but effective treatment for severe erectile dysfunction. Surgical outcomes and depend on many factors such as technical expertise and adequate patient selection. Inadequate training can increase risks of device failure, complications, and patient dissatisfaction. To address these challenges, the ESSM Surgical Academy has developed a structured curriculum to standardize and enhance training in genital surgery. While initial levels provided didactic webinars, literature, and videos, the need for an intermediate, hands-on, and competence-based format was identified. Objective: To present the integration of a newly developed Masterclass as an additional level of training within the ESSM Surgical Academy, designed to improve surgical preparedness, minimize preventable errors, and optimize patient outcomes in penile implant surgery. Methods: A multidisciplinary task force reviewed existing training pathways and identified limitations between theoretical learning and clinical fellowships. The Masterclass was created as a two-day advanced program at an accredited surgical training center, combining expert-led lectures, cadaveric dissection, device-specific instruction, and multidisciplinary perspectives (nursing, sexology, and patient counselling).