Introduction
Penile implants are devices that are placed inside the penis, which will help men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to get an erection. These implants are usually used when other treatments for erectile dysfunction fail. Inflatable and non-inflatable are the two types of penile implants. To place the penile implants, surgery is required, and therefore, it is essential to know the risks, complications, and follow-up care. Erosion and mechanical failure are the risks in this device. The sexual activity can be resumed by the individual six weeks after receiving a penile implant.
What Is a Penile Implant?
A penile implant is a device that helps men with erectile dysfunction to get an erection. There are two types of penile implants: inflatable and non-inflatable penile implants.
Inflatable penile implants have a pump in the pouch of the skin behind the penis, known as the scrotum, allowing one to get an erection whenever they choose.
Non-inflatable penile implants are silicone rods that can be bent and placed in the erection chambers of the penis, which will allow the rods to extend into an erect position. Penile implants are also known as penis implants and penile prostheses.
How Does Penile Implant Device Work?
These inflatable penile implants have two cylinders, such as a reservoir and a pump, and the healthcare provider surgically places both these cylinders in the body where cylinders are inserted into the penis. The cylinders are connected with the tubes to a separate reservoir under the lower abdominal muscles containing fluid. To this system, a pump is connected, which will sit under the loose skin of the scrotum between the testicles. The pump in the scrotum is pressed to inflate the implant and does not put any pressure on the testicles.
According to the desired hardness level, fluid is transferred by the pump from the reservoir to the cylinders in the penis by inflating them. The erection can be maintained as long as required, even after the orgasm. The valve on the pump is pressed, which will return the fluid to the reservoir by deflating the penis and can stop it from being erect.
Two firm, flexible silicone rods are present in non-inflatable penile implants; pumping is not required in this implant device. This implant works by pressing the penis to extend the rod into position, and the implant can be used as long as required. Even after the orgasm, the hardness of the implant remains the same. Once the implant is used to push it back, the penis is pressed again.
For Whom Are the Penile Implants Indicated?
For individuals with erectile dysfunction or Peyronie’s disease, where this condition cannot be treated naturally or with other conservative medical treatment such as medications or a penis pump, then a penis implant is indicated by the healthcare provider, which is a component of gender affirmation surgery. Penile implants last for twenty years; after that, the implant wears out and stops working. The surgeon usually revises it by replacing it with a new implant.
What Are the Instructions Given to the Patient Before the Surgery?
Healthcare providers will check the general health and vitals and ensure that the bladder is empty and there are no severe urinary issues. The type of implant is selected by the surgeon that is suitable for the body and its needs. If any herbal supplements are taken, it is necessary to inform the healthcare provider.
Certain medications, such as Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, and herbal supplements, must be stopped before the surgery. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding, and all known allergies should be included. Allergies can be due to medications from antibiotics, foods, latex, and skin cleaners like iodine or isopropyl alcohol.
Special instructions are given by the healthcare provider to the patient regarding eating and drinking before the penis implant. The abdomen and groin area should be washed thoroughly before the procedure to avoid the risk of infection.
What Is the Procedure for the Placement of Penile Implants?
The penile implants are placed by a unique team of doctors, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses. General anesthesia is administered to the patient to avoid pain during the surgery. The urologist inserts a catheter into the bladder through the penis, and this catheter is a soft tube that allows urine to flow out of the body. The catheter is removed after the surgery. The urologist injects pain medication to numb the area even after the procedure.
On the genital area, an incision is made, an implant is inserted into the corpora cavernosa, and tubes of spongy tissue fill with blood and make the penis hard. The healthcare provider customizes the size of the implant according to the size of the penis. Once the implant is placed, incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures. A bandage is then placed over the incision. The procedure for penis implants usually takes one to two hours to complete.
How Is the Patient Monitored After the Procedure?
The administration of anesthesia will be stopped once the procedure is over, and the patient will gain consciousness within a few minutes and be shifted to the recovery room. The healthcare providers and the groin again track the overall health; the abdominal area will feel sore, and antibiotics and analgesics are given to treat the pain and teach pain management techniques.
What Are the Benefits of Penile Implants?
One of the main benefits of penile implants is it allows one to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sex whenever desired and for however long required, and also, the sensation on the skin of the penis will not change, or the ability to orgasm and ejaculate. The other benefits are that the procedure has low risks of complications, is relatively safe, and has fewer side effects. These implants are durable and last for twenty years. The procedure is outpatient and takes only one to two hours to complete. After this procedure, it increases the self-esteem of the patient. Inflatable penile implants are not noticeable; only small scars are due to incisions.
What Are the Risks and Complications With Penile Implants?
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The risk factor with penile implants is that additional surgery may be required due to uncontrolled bleeding.
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Surgical repair might be required when there is damage to the urethra, and placement of the implant should be delayed.
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Implant removal may be required when there is an infection, excessive scar tissue, layers of skin worn due to implants, mechanical failure, pump or reservoir displacement, or perception of short penis length.
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Implant removal may also be necessitated when there is a decreased blood flow to the head of the penis.
Conclusion
One of the most invasive treatments for erectile dysfunction is penile implants, and there is satisfaction with this device reported by men and their partners. There is a higher satisfaction rate than all other erectile dysfunction treatments.
