A penile implant is usually used when there is a clear medical cause for ED and when the problem is unlikely to resolve or improve naturally or with other medical treatments. Sometimes a penile prosthesis is implanted during surgery to reconstruct the penis when scarring has caused erections to curve (Peyronie’s disease). Penile prostheses are devices that are implanted completely within the body. They produce an erection-like state that enables the man who has one of these implants to have normal sexual intercourse. Neither the operation to implant a prosthesis nor the device itself will interfere with sensation, orgasm or ejaculation.
The main objective is to leave the patient with a penis that allows achievement of sexual intercourse with no complications, when it is desired and in a way that satisfies both partners. There is no single penile prosthesis that is best for all patients so it is imperative that the urologist sit down with the patient and carefully review the risks, benefits, and drawbacks to each type.
How Does the Penile Prosthesis Work?
The inflatable penile prosthesis consists of two attached cylinders — a reservoir and a pump — which are placed surgically in the body. The two cylinders are inserted in the penis and connected by tubing to a separate reservoir of fluid. The reservoir is implanted under the groin muscles. A pump is also connected to the system and sits under the loose skin of the scrotal sac, between the testicles.
This penile prosthesis is referred to as a 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis, due to the three different components. A 2-piece inflatable penile prosthesis consists of only two components: the attached cylinders and the combined reservoir and pump unit. Instead of the reservoir being placed behind the groin, it is combined with the pump into one housing unit that fits comfortably within the scrotum. The advantage of a 2-piece prosthesis in that the surgery is shorter and less complicated and there is no device parts in the abdomen. The disadvantage of the 2-piece prosthesis is that the smaller reservoir may not result in adequate erections in some men.
To inflate the prosthesis, the man presses on the pump. The pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders in the penis, inflating them and causing an erection. Pressing on a deflation valve at the base of the pump returns the fluid to the reservoir, deflating the penis and returning it to the normal flaccid state.
Who is suitable for a prosthesis?
Men who may be suitable for this type of surgery include those who have:
- sustained injury to the erectile tissue within the penis
- sustained damage caused by repeated injection treatment, which causes fibrosis within the erectile tissue
- been damaged by previous surgery, eg for cancer
- Peyronie’s disease, which causes fibrosis within the erectile tissue
- unsuccessfully tried all other treatments for loss of erection
- paraplegia.
What does penile prosthesis implantation involve?
Penile prostheses are usually implanted under anesthesia. Usually one small surgical cut is made either above the penis where it joins the abdomen or under the penis where it joins the scrotum. No tissue is removed, blood loss is small and blood transfusion is almost never required. A patient will typically spend one night in the hospital.
Men can often be instructed in using the prosthesis for sexual activity one month after surgery, but if pain and tenderness are still present, this is sometimes delayed for another month.
Is the Prosthesis Noticeable?
While men who have had the prosthesis surgery can see the small surgical scar where the bottom of the penis meets the scrotal sac, other people probably will be unable to tell that a man has an inflatable penile prosthesis. Most men would not be embarrassed in a locker room or public restroom, for example.
What Is Sex Like With the Prosthesis?
When the penis is inflated, the prosthesis makes the penis stiff and thick, similar to a natural erection. Most men rate the erection as shorter than their normal erection; however, newer models have cylinders that may increase the length, thickness, and stiffness of the penis.
A penile prosthesis does not change sensation on the skin of the penis or a man’s ability to reach orgasm. Ejaculation is not affected.
How Effective Are the Implants?
About 90%-95% of inflatable prosthesis implants produce erections suitable for intercourse. Satisfaction rates with the prosthesis are very high, and typically 80%-90% of men are satisfied with the results and say they would choose the surgery again.
Prof. Dr. Halim Hattat
