Indications for Penile Implant Surgery
A penile implant is a medical device that is surgically-inserted inside of a man’s penis to allow him to achieve an erection. Typically, physicians recommend penile implants when all other treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) have failed. ED (also called impotence) occurs when a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
Benefits of getting Penile Implant Surgery
The Penile Implant solves these problems. The prosthesis takes no time at all to use. When the patient is ready for sexual activity, he does not need to remember to take medication and wait 30 minutes for the medicine to take full effect. He and his partner can participate in sexual activity spontaneously. Since the implant works by providing physical support for the penis, this device is safe to be used by patients with heart disease and heart failure without risk of hypotension.
What to expect before Penile Implant Surgery
Before surgery, the physician will review the patient’s medical history with the patient, especially considering his history of ED. The physician will also consider the patient’s past surgeries and any medications he is currently taking (if any).
Next, a complete urological exam will be conducted to confirm the need for surgery. At this point, the patient’s manual dexterity will also be assessed to determine what type of implant will best serve the patient’s needs and ability.
What to expect the day of Penile Implant Surgery
The surgeon will discuss the entire operation with the patient to help them understand the procedure. They will also talk about complications; what kinds of implants will best serve the patient and how the surgery is permanent and irreversible. The surgeon will also want to make sure that there is someone who can drive the patient home after surgery and that they cannot eat or drink after midnight on the evening before their surgery.
What to expect during Penile Implant Surgery
The surgery will occur at a hospital or surgery center. Right before surgery, the pubic area will be shaved, and an antiseptic soap will be used to scrub the surgical site clean. The patient will then be put under general anesthesia, and a catheter will be placed to empty the bladder of urine. The surgeon will then make an incision on the base of the penis, and set the implant into the corpora cavernosa, the two hollow chambers in the that are responsible for achieving an erection in the penis.
The implants will be customized precisely to the specific measurements of the patient. If a 2-piece implant is to be used, the combined reservoir and pump unit will be surgically placed in the scrotal sac. If it is a 3-piece implant, an additional incision will be made in the lower abdomen to put the reservoir in that site. The entire surgery could take between 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What to expect after Penile Implant Surgery
After surgery, the patient may stay for a few hours in the recovery room to make sure that they are recovering well from surgery. The patient will be prescribed pain medications, as mild pain is expected to persist for a few weeks after the surgery. They will also be given an antibiotic to take at home for about a week to help prevent infection.
The patient will have to refrain from vigorous exercise and any sexual activity until they have checked in with their doctor. It usually takes 4-8 weeks until the patient can resume sexual activity.
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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 www.fifthavenueurology.com/penile-implants/
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FIFTH AVENUE UROLOGY
4 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
212-541-6239