What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Penile Implants are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). They provide physical support to the penis so that the patient can achieve an erection. Many patients report the highest rate of satisfaction with the use of the 3-piece inflatable implant. This is due in part to how the 3-piece provide the closest natural look and feel to the penis as compared to the semi-rigid implants.
How does the 3-piece Penile Implant work?
The three-piece device is composed of two cylinders that are surgically placed in the erectile tissues of the penis. These cylinders are then attached to a tube that is connected to the reservoir, which is situated in the lower abdomen. The reservoir contains saline which is delivered to the cylinders by a pump, which is placed in the scrotal sac. When the patient is ready for sexual activity, he presses the pump, which then delivers the saline from the reservoir into the cylinders resulting in inflation of the penis causing an erection. When the patient is finished, he presses the deflator valve located at the bottom of the pump, which then delivers the saline back into the reservoir causing the penis to deflate and return to its normal, flaccid state.
What are the most common types of 3-piece inflatable penile implants?
The most common types of 3-piece prosthesis are created by American Medical Systems, Inc. and Coloplast. The 3-piece devices created by both companies work in very similar ways, with just a few small differences. Antibiotic devices help reduce infection rates dramatically in patients who have penile implant surgery. All AMS models are coated with antibiotic to help reduce infection. Coloplast prostheses are not covered with an antibiotic, but the hydrophilic surface allows the chosen antibiotic to adhere better to the implant.
Which type of 3-piece inflatable penile implant is better for penis straightening?
The AMS 700 CX and the Coloplast Titan implants are used by surgeons to achieve penile straightening especially in the case of patients diagnosed with Peyronie’s Disease (PD). PD occurs after the penis is exposed to repeated trauma, which causes curvature, shortening, and pain of the penis. The AMS model also provides lubrication and increased durability due to its Parylene coating.
Which type of 3-piece inflatable penile implant is better for increasing penile girth?
The AMS 700 CXR provides expansion of penile girth, which can be useful for men who have scarred or narrow penile tissues. The AMS 700 LGX helps with both length and girth and can provide up to 1-4cm of increase in length.
Benefit of 3-piece Inflatable implant over semi-rigid implant
By far the most significant advantage of using the inflatable devices instead of the semi-rigid implant is the ability to return to a flaccid state after sexual activity. With the simple push of the deflator valve, the patient can deflate his penis, which produces a much more natural feel and look as compared to the semi-rigid implant which prevents a return to a flaccid state. Besides some small scarring located on the underside of the penis and the scrotum, the inflatable implants are discreet and undetectable to the naked eye. Patients report that there are no changes to the sensation and ability to ejaculate with the outfitting of the inflatable implant.
Cons of 3-piece inflatable implant
However, there are some disadvantages to using the inflatable implants. Since the two-piece implant reservoir is comparatively smaller, there may not be enough saline in the reservoir-pump combo unit to produce a full erection as compared to the three-piece repository. Complication rates also tend to be higher with the inflatable implants as compared to the semi-rigid devices due in part to the multiple different units comprising the implant.
If you would like to know more about how penile implants can benefit you and your partner, contact us today at 212-541-6239 and schedule your free appointment.
To find out more about penile implants, visit our website at fifthavenueurology.com.
References:
Penile prosthesis surgery in the management of erectile dysfunction
Sadeghi-Nejad H., Fam M.
(2013) Arab Journal of Urology, 11 (3) , pp. 245-253.