About penile implants

A penile implant is a specialized medical device that is surgically implanted within the penis and the scrotal sacs of men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction. The surgical procedure is carried out on ED patients for whom the traditional or contemporary treatment has proved ineffective. The penile implant which is bespoke enables the individual to have and feel an erection that is almost natural.

A man whose erectile dysfunction can be traced to an underlying medical condition is a potential or ideal candidate for a penile implant. Since the implanting of the prosthetic device involves surgery, the patient should be aware of what the procedure is about, the likely complications and risks, and postsurgical care.

 Penile implants types

All different kinds of penile implant devices can be grouped under two broad categories-inflatable implants and semi-rigid implants. The modus operandi for both types is distinct, and each has its advantages and drawbacks.

• Semi-rigid implants: The most distinguishing feature of semi-rigid penile implants is their steady firmness. This distinctive quality implies that the device can be manipulated for performing coitus and moving the same in the direction of the pelvis for disguising. The segmentations that keep the semi-rigid implant flexible are held in place by springs attached on either side.
• Inflatable implants: As the name suggests, an inflatable penile device can be blown up like a balloon for facilitating an erection and easily deflated as well. Inflatable implants are the most extensively used penile implant devices. A typical inflatable implant has three sections-a reservoirs or pool for holding the fluid and inserted beneath the abdominal layer, a piston and a discharge valve that is embedded in the scrotum, and two tubes (implanted inside the penis) that can be inflated.

When the individual wishes to have an erection, he forces the fluid into the tubes by pumping the reservoir. Once he is through with coitus, he opens the valve so that fluid can drain back into the tank. Two-piece models are also available where the pump and reservoir makeup one single section and operate in the same manner as three-piece models.

A few models of inflatable implants have antibiotic or antibacterial coatings to minimize infection risks.

Benefits

Penile implant surgery is an intensely invasive form of surgical procedure that is usually chosen as a last resort for dealing with ED. Nearly 95% of men who underwent this surgery have reported having an erection robust enough for coitus. The device which usually has a 10-year functional lifespan has lived up to its expectations in 60-80% of the cases.

Side effects

The usual complications of a penile implant surgery entail:

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding post surgery (that might necessitate a re-surgery)
• Formation of scar tissues
• Tearing of tissue surrounding the implant
• Mechanical failure (calling for a re-surgery to remove the implant)

Precautions

You’ll not be allowed to take food, water or drinks the night before the surgery. You’ll also have to stop taking certain medications, like NSAIDs and aspirin to keep the risk of infection at bay. A responsible person will have to drive you home as you’ll not be in a position to leave the hospital on your own.

At home, you’ll have to take prescribed medicines and antibiotics for getting relief from pain and reducing chances of infection respectively. You’ll be able to start having sex with your partner about a month and a half following surgery. You’ll need to follow all other instructions recommended by the doctor to avoid complications in the future.

Prognosis

Most males who consider going in for a penile implant operation are extremely concerned about the recovery period. Luckily for them, the recuperation phase is normally faster than they’d like to believe. Majority of patients recover considerably within 2-3 weeks and go back to having sex in nothing less than six weeks after surgery.

 Concluding remarks

Opting for a penile implant has proven to be an efficient way of treating ED. However, the surgery could profoundly diminish the natural urge of having an erection which in turn implies that you’ll always have to fall back on the implant for the same. Regardless of the drawbacks associated with penile implant surgery, most of the men are still willing to go ahead with the procedure.

If you wish to know more about penile implants, you can get in touch with our prosthetic surgeon.

References

• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320918.php
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/penile-implants/about/pac-20384916
• https://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/penile-prosthesis#1
• https://www.coloplastmenshealth.com/ask-a-physician/
• https://www.coloplastmenshealth.com/treatments/erectile-dysfunction-treatment/penile-implants/
• https://www.edcure.org/articles/recovering-from-penile-implant-surgery/