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Overview
A penile
implant is a device placed inside the penis. The device allows
men with erectile dysfunction to have an erection.
Who is a
candidate for the procedure?
Erectile
dysfunction, sometimes known as impotence, is a condition in
which a man is not able to achieve or sustain an erection. As a
result, he cannot have intercourse or impregnate a woman. A
penile implant, which requires surgery, is one of the treatments
used for some men with erectile dysfunction.
Different treatments are used for erectile dysfunction,
depending on the cause. For example, depression, anxiety, and
drugs or medications can cause erectile dysfunction. In these
cases, the cause can often be treated and an implant would not
be used.
Other causes of erectile dysfunction cannot be treated directly.
In these cases, an implant may be useful if other treatments do
not work. Possible candidates for an implant include men with
erectile dysfunction due to: diabetes blood vessel blockage or
leakage previous surgery in the genital area prostate
cancer, bladder cancer, or colon cancer Peyronie's
disease, which is scarring inside the penis that occurs for
unknown reasons previous injury or damage to the pelvis,
genitals, or spinal cord long-term or chronic disease, such as
chronic renal failure, alcoholism, or Parkinson's disease
medications that cannot be stopped, such as chemotherapy for
cancer congenital defects of the genitals, or abnormalities
present at birth.
How is the procedure
performed?
Once the
decision is made to have a penile implant, the type of device
must be chosen. There are three main types of implants. The
three types are called rods, simple inflatable devices, and
complex inflatable devices.
When rods are inserted into the penis, a permanent erection
occurs. The penis can be bent down so that it is not noticed
under the clothing. The penis can be straightened for sex
easily. Advantages include low cost, ease of use, and the lowest
risk of problems from the surgery or the device itself. The main
disadvantages are the constant erection, which may show through
tight clothing, and the unnatural appearance of the penis.
Simple inflatable implants allow the man to control his
erections by inflating and deflating the device. The surgery is
more complicated than it is for a rod device. The implant is
also more expensive. This implant doesn't make the penis get as
erect as the rod does. It also doesn't deflate as much as the
complex inflatable devices.
The complex inflatable implants are thought to be the best
devices, but they are more expensive and complicated. They also
have the highest risk of malfunction or problems from the
surgery. The most complex of these devices has three parts, with
one in the penis, one in the scrotum, and one in the abdomen.
This device provides the most natural appearance of an erection,
with an increase in length and width of the penis. Inflating and
deflating the implant controls erections.
The type of surgery depends on the device and the surgeon. The
rod and simple inflatable devices may be done in a same day
surgery setting. This means that the person can go home the same
day as the surgery. The complex inflatable devices may require a
few days in the hospital.
Surgery may be done with general anesthesia, which means that
the man is put to sleep with medications. Other types of pain
control may also be used. The doctor will discuss the options
for pain control before surgery.
The incisions in the skin used to insert the device may be on
the penis, the scrotum, or the skin above or below the penis and
scrotum. This depends on the device and the surgeon's preferred
method.
What
happens right after the procedure?
The man
will be taken from the operating room to the surgery recovery
room. His blood pressure, pulse, respirations and incision will
be monitored by the staff. Pain medications will be given as
needed. If the man is having same day surgery, he will be sent
home from the surgery recovery room. Otherwise, he will be taken
to the surgery inpatient unit for a brief hospital stay.
What
happens later at home?
After surgery, pain is common. Pain medications are given to
control pain. Ice packs and elevating the penis and scrotum may
also be advised. Antibiotics may be given during and after the
surgery.
Total healing time is usually three to four weeks, and it may
take a month or two before the body gets used to the implant.
Normally, the implant cannot be used until at least 4 to 6 weeks
after the surgery. This is when healing is usually complete.
Home care instructions should be followed closely to help avoid
problems.
What are
the potential complications after
the procedure?
Penile implants do not normally affect sexual desire, sensation
in the penis, or the ability to have children. However, the
implant will affect the tissues inside the penis. Future
erections will often depend on the implant device. Removal of
the implant device will likely leave a man unable to have an
erection.
Complications of penile implants can result from the surgery or
from the device. Surgery can cause bleeding, infection, or
allergic reaction to the anesthesia. The device itself can
malfunction or become damaged. This is most common with the
complex inflatable implants. Further surgery may be needed if
the device becomes damaged.
Information
on Penile Implants
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Adobe Acrobat PDF document.
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