Definition
This surgery places a device into the penis. It can produce an erection-like state for sex.
| Penile Implant |
|
| Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. www.nucl |
Reasons for Procedure
This procedure is done to make erection possible. It is done when other methods have not helped.
Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
- Excess bleeding
- Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
- Infection
- Harm to nearby structures
- Tissue breakdown near the implant
- A device does not work as it should
Things that may raise the risk of these problems are:
- Smoking
- Alcohol use disorder
- Chronic health problems, such as diabetes or obesity
- Problems passing urine
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
- Anesthesia options
- Any allergies you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
- Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding foot or drink after midnight the night before
- Planning for a ride to and from surgery
Anesthesia
The doctor may give:
- General anesthesia —you will be asleep
- Spinal anesthesia —you will be numb from the belly down
Description of the Procedure
There are two types of implants:
A 2 piece or 3 piece implant may be used. A cut will be made in the penis, lower belly, or scrotum. The cylinder will be placed into the penis.
With the 2-piece implant, a pump with fluid will be placed into the scrotum.
With the 3-piece implant, a pump will be placed into the scrotum. Then, a reservoir with the fluid that is used to inflate the penis will be placed into the belly.
The cut will be closed with stitches. A bandage will be placed over the area.
A cut will be made behind the head or near the base of the penis. An opening will be made into each of the two long tubes of spongy tissue inside the penis. One rod will be placed into each tube. The cut will be closed with stitches. A bandage will be placed over the area.
How Long Will It Take?
- Inflatable implant—1 to 2 hours
- Non-inflatable implant—30 to 60 minutes
Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. But pain and swelling are common in the first two weeks. Medicine and home care can help.
Average Hospital Stay
The average hospital stay is one to two days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.
Post-procedure Care
After the procedure, the staff may:
- Give you pain medicine
- Teach you how to use the implant
During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your cuts covered
There are some steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
- Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
- Not letting others touch your cuts
It will take 4 to 6 weeks for the area to fully heal. Sex will need to be avoided during this time. Physical activity will be limited during recovery. You will need to delay your return to work.
Problems to Look Out For
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge from the incision
- Pain that you cannot control with medicine
- Problems passing urine
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES
Men's Health Network https://www.menshealthnetwork.org
Urology Care Foundation https://www.urologyhealth.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Diabetes Canada https://www.diabetes.ca
Men's Health Centre https://www.menshealthcentre.net
References
Erectile dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/erectile-dysfunction. Accessed April 1, 2022.
Erectile dysfunction. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunction?article=11. Accessed April 1, 2022.
Penile prosthesis. University of Virginia School of Medicine website. Available at: https://med.virginia.edu/urology/for-patients-and-visitors/penile-urethral-reconstruction-at-uva/penile-prosthesis. Accessed April 1, 2022.
Surgical penile implants. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10054-surgical-penile-implants. Accessed April 1, 2022.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 11/2021
- Update Date: 04/01/2022