Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Reoperation, repeat surgery, secondary surgery, redo surgery, follow-up surgery, additional surgery, subsequent surgery, surgical procedure again.
Definition
Revision surgery is a subsequent surgical procedure performed to alter or correct the results of a previous surgery. It is essentially a ‘redo’ operation that may be necessary for a variety of reasons across different medical specialties.¹ It can involve replacing or compensating for a failed implant (such as in joint replacements), correcting undesirable outcomes or complications from the initial surgery (like scar tissue, persistent pain, or instability), addressing an infection that developed post-operatively, or managing a new injury or recurrence of the original condition.² The primary purpose of revision surgery is to improve function, alleviate symptoms, correct anatomical issues, or address complications that were not resolved or arose from an earlier surgical intervention. While common in orthopedics for joint replacements (e.g., hip, knee, shoulder), revision procedures can apply to virtually any type of surgery where the initial outcomes are unsatisfactory or where new problems have emerged over time.³
Clinical Context
Revision surgery is indicated in a variety of clinical scenarios where a primary surgical intervention has failed to achieve its intended goals, or when new complications have arisen. Common reasons for revision surgery include mechanical failure of an implant (e.g., loosening, wear, or breakage of a joint prosthesis), instability of a surgically repaired joint or structure, persistent or recurrent pain, infection at the surgical site, or the development of adverse tissue reactions (e.g., significant scar tissue formation or osteolysis).¹ Patient selection for revision surgery involves a thorough evaluation, including a detailed history, physical examination, and often advanced imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRI) to precisely identify the cause of failure and plan the corrective procedure.² For instance, in orthopedic surgery, a patient with a hip or knee replacement might require revision if they experience increasing pain, swelling, instability, or a noticeable decrease in function years after the initial replacement. The surgical procedure for revision surgery is often more complex and technically demanding than the primary surgery. It may involve removal of failed implants, debridement of unhealthy tissue, bone grafting to address bone loss, and the implantation of specialized revision components. Expected outcomes vary depending on the reason for revision, the patient’s overall health, and the specific procedure performed, but the general goals are to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve the patient’s quality of life. Recovery can also be longer and more challenging compared to primary surgery. Success rates are generally lower than for primary procedures, and the risks of complications, such as infection or further implant failure, can be higher.³