Georgia Urology reached an important milestone in patient care with the successful completion of its first inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) procedure at the Braselton Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). Performed by Dr. Brent Sharpe, MD, this landmark case represents months of preparation, collaboration, and commitment to expanding access to advanced urologic care in a modern, outpatient setting.
The procedure, a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis combined with a scrotoplasty, was completed efficiently in approximately one hour, and marks a significant step forward in the evolution of surgical services offered at Georgia Urology’s ASCs.
What Is an Ambulatory Surgery Center?
For patients unfamiliar with the term, an ambulatory surgery center is a fully equipped medical facility where surgeries are performed safely without overnight hospital admission. “Ambulatory” simply means patients can return home the same day, not that there is an emergency.
ASCs are designed specifically for efficiency and comfortably meeting patient needs. Procedures are scheduled, streamlined, and supported by highly specialized teams, often resulting in shorter recovery times, lower infection rates, and a more personalized patient experience.
The Braselton ASC is located in the same building, just steps away from Georgia Urology’s adult urology clinic, for seamless coordination of care before, during, and after surgery.
Expanding Advanced Care at the Braselton ASC
Historically, the Braselton ASC has supported a wide range of outpatient urologic procedures. Adding penile prosthesis surgery to its offerings is monumental because IPP procedures require specialized training, equipment, sterile protocols, and a highly coordinated surgical team.
Expanding the procedures we can perform means that patients who require complex reconstructive and sexual wellness procedures now have access to hospital-level care in a convenient outpatient environment.
Understanding Penile Prosthesis Surgery
A penile prosthesis, or IPP, is a surgically implanted device that’s used to treat erectile dysfunction when other treatments, such as oral medications or injections, are no longer effective. The three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis is considered the gold standard in prosthetic urology. It consists of the penile implant, a pump, and a fluid reservoir that, when activated, allow the patient to achieve an erection that closely mimics natural function. Deactivation appears just as natural, and the penis returns to a flaccid state.
IPP surgery has been shown to have satisfaction rates exceeding 90% for patients and their partners, making it one of the most successful treatments in urology for restoring sexual function and quality of life in men.
What Is a Scrotoplasty?
In this case, Dr. Sharpe also performed a scrotoplasty, an additional reconstructive procedure that reshapes or tightens the scrotal tissue. Scrotoplasty can also be performed alongside prosthetic surgery to improve chaffing, aesthetics, device positioning, and overall satisfaction “down there.”
Leading Forward
Although the combined procedures took only an hour, the preparation spanned months. Behind the scenes were countless emails, phone calls, planning meetings, staff in-services, supply coordination, and detailed checklists to ensure everything was executed flawlessly.
From leadership support to hands-on engagement by the ASC team, every step was well-oiled and aligned. Introducing IPP surgery in an ASC is another procedure on our list, but it requires building infrastructure, training staff, and ensuring every team member is confident and prepared. Check, check, and check! The result was smooth, and the case was successful due to preparation and expertise.
Board-certified by the American Board of Urology, Dr. Sharpe completed his urology residency at Emory University and has built a career around advanced, minimally invasive, and reconstructive urologic surgery. Dr. Sharpe has performed more than 1,000 robotic procedures for prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer, as well as benign conditions such as enlarged prostate and pelvic prolapse. He is the only surgeon in Georgia recognized as a Center of Excellence for both UroLift® and Rezūm™ therapies for BPH, has been designated as a NanoKnife Case Observation Site, and has advanced training in prosthetic urology to restore sexual function and urinary continence.
If the name Dr. Brent Sharpe, MD sounds familiar, it might be that you heard it over the airwaves: he’s a frequent guest on WDUN’s Mornings on Maine Streetradio show, where he discusses topics ranging from low testosterone and erectile dysfunction to prostate cancer prevention and heart health.
For over five decades, Georgia Urology has set the standard in urologic care, earning recognition as a Top Doc, a Center of Excellence, and a trusted leader in both innovation and compassion. The successful completion of the first IPP surgery at the Braselton ASC is another step forward in that legacy.
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