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- Penile Implant Surgery
Penile implants are devices placed in the penis to help men with erectile dysfunction get an erection. It is typically recommended for erectile dysfunction after other treatments have failed. If the patient has tried all treatments but still has not regained sufficient erection for sexual activity, he may consider penile implants.
Although penile implants are the least preferred treatment method for erectile dysfunction that requires incision in the penis, most men and their partners reported that they were satisfied with the treatment.
Penile Implant Types
There are two types of penile implants, inflatable and semi-rigid (bendable). Inflatable devices, the most widely used type of penile implant, can be inflated to create an erection and deflated after intercourse. hree-piece inflatable implants use a fluid-filled reservoir placed under the abdominal wall, a pump and a relief valve placed in the scrotum, and two inflatable cylinders in the penis. Every part of it is inside the body. Three-piece inflatable implants produce the most natural and firm erection, but have more parts that can fail than any other implant. The two-piece inflatable implant does not require a reservoir but provides a less rigid erection compared to the three-piece implant.
Semi-rigid devices have fewer parts and require an easier surgical procedure. However, the penis is always a little hard and can be difficult to control in clothes. It needs to be bent towards the body to hide.
What should be considered before the surgery?
To make sure penile implants are the best treatment option, the doctor will perform a physical exam, including a urological exam. It confirms the presence of the patient's erectile dysfunction and makes sure that it cannot be treated in any other way. The patient's current and past medical history, especially the experience of erectile dysfunction, is very important.
In addition, the doctor tries to determine whether penile implant surgery is likely to cause complications. Because using some penile implants requires more dexterity than others, the doctor also checks the patient's ability to use the implant.
The patient must be sure of what the procedure entails and that he has chosen the most suitable type of penile implant. It is important to know that the transaction is permanent and irreversible.
How is it performed?
A catheter inserted into the bladder to collect urine during penile prosthesis implantation. The surgeon will then make an incision under the glans or in the lower abdomen. The surgeon selects the correct size implant and places the implant cylinders into the penis. All implants are customized to body size.
If the doctor is fixing a two-piece inflatable implant, a pump and valve are placed in the scrotum. For the three-piece inflatable implant, your doctor will also place a reservoir in the abdominal wall. After the device is placed, the surgeon sutures the incisions. Penile implant surgery usually takes between 45 minutes and an hour.
Recovery after the Surgery
After penile implant surgery, medication is likely to be needed to relieve pain. Mild pain may persist for several weeks. Antibiotics may be required for a week to prevent infection. The doctor gives individual instructions on when to resume daily life. Most men can resume strenuous physical and sexual activities four to six weeks after surgery.
To train and practice the area surrounding the implants, the doctor may ask their patients to inflate and deflate the inflatable penile implants twice a day.
Who can’t have Penil Implant Surgery?
It is not suitable for individuals who have an infection such as a lung infection or urinary tract infection or uncontrolled diabetes.
It is important to remember that while penile implants enable men to get an erection, they do not increase their sexual desire or feelings. Also, penile implants do not make the penis larger than it is.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
The risks of penile implant surgery include:
Infection: As with any surgery, there is a possibility of infection. If the patient has a spinal cord injury or diabetes, they may be at high risk of infection.
Implant problems: New penile implant designs are reliable, but in rare cases, implants can fail. A re-surgical procedure may be required to remove, repair, or replace a broken implant.
Internal erosion or adhesion: In some cases, the implant may adhere to or damage the skin inside the penis. Rarely, the implant may separate from the skin. These problems are in some cases linked to an infection.
What are the advantages of Penile Implant Surgery?
The goal of the operation is to allow patients to have and continue sexual intercourse whenever they want after the operation. Although it takes some time to become practical in use and to get used to this new mechanism in the body, its contributions to the lives of individuals and couples are great in the long run. In cases where the body does not accept the prosthesis or the patient cannot get used to living with this new implant, it is possible to remove the device with a new surgical intervention. In cases where the patient wants to switch to a different model from the prosthesis used, a new surgical intervention can be made in this regard.