When Should I Consider Penile Implant Surgery?
Penile implant surgery is a potential option to consider if you have already tried other treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), such as PDE5 inhibitors and intracavernous injections, but have experienced little improvement. It may also be recommended if you are unable to use PDE5 inhibitors or the drugs used in the injections.
Furthermore, if you have tried PDE5 inhibitors and injections, but remain dissatisfied with the results and desire a permanent solution, penile implant surgery may be a suitable consideration.
How does a penile implant work?
A penile implant refers to devices called inflatable penile implants that are filled with fluid. These implants consist of two inflatable cylinders, which are placed within the erection chambers of the penis. Additionally, the implant includes a hand-controlled pump placed in the scrotum, as well as a reservoir intended to store fluid when the penis is not erect. To initiate an erection, the patient squeezes the pump repeatedly, thereby transferring the fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders. Conversely, when the erection is no longer desired, the pump is used to move the fluid back into the reservoir, deflating the implant.
As for the procedure itself:
During penile implant surgery, you will undergo either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia to ensure your comfort. A urinary catheter will be inserted, which can typically be removed on the day after the procedure. Once you are under anesthesia, a small incision will be made either above the penis or between the penis and scrotum. This incision exposes the erectile chambers, allowing the surgeon to measure and appropriately place a penile implant of the correct length.
After positioning the cylinders within the erectile chambers, the reservoir will be placed behind the abdominal wall, and the pump will be positioned in the scrotum between the testicles to provide the implant with concealment.
Finally, all components of the implant will be connected, and the incision will be sutured. The surgical site will be cleaned, and a compressive bandage will be applied. Many surgeons choose to leave the penile implant inflated for one day, while some may prefer to leave a drain, which is typically removed the day after the procedure.
