Penile Implant FAQs
What is the diagnosis or pathology being treated by this procedure or surgery?
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The penile implant is for men with erectile dysfunction that have failed conservative options for treatment of their erectile dysfunction.
Can you describe the procedure or draw a picture?
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Under general anesthesia 3 components are placed.Paired cylinders are placed in the corpora caverns of the penis. The most common incision I use is one just above the penis. You will have either a general or a spinal anesthetic.. A second incision is sometimes made in the lower abdomen for placement of the reservoir. The procedure takes about 2 hours.
Pictured here is the three piece penile prosthesis with the pair cylinder in the corpora, a pump in the scrotum, and a reservoir near the bladder.
What are the benefits of doing this procedure?
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The Penile Implant allow men with erectile dysfunction to resume sexual activity with a solution that allows for spontaneous sexual activity.
What are the risks of doing the procedure?
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Possible side effects of the penile implant include: bleeding, bruising, pain, swelling, infection, scar tissue, implant malfunction requiring replacement or revision surgery. Two risks are critical to highlight.
First, infection is our biggest concern. If the implant gets infected the device most often must be removed.
Second, A man should be aware that the erection created by a penile implant will be shorter and possibly narrower than his normal erection. The implant does not fill the penis in the same way that blood fills the penis for an erection. The implant creates a reliable rigid erection, but the erection is not the same as when a man was getting his natural erections.
The alternative for men not choosing an implant is a choice to either not be sexually intimate or to have intimacy without a firm erection. A penile implant is used for men with severe erectile dysfunction that does not respond adequately to oral medication, penile injections, vacuum erection devices or other treatments for his erectile dysfunction.
Are there alternatives to this procedure I should be considering?
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Is this a common procedure?
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Yes, this is a common procedure. Many men have erectile dysfunction from diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cholesterol buildup in the arteries, prostate cancer surgery and many other reasons. Many men struggle with pills, vacuum devices and injections and choose to move towards penile implantation.
The choice of when to do an implant is a challenging one for most men. Deciding when to do implant should be discussed with your partner to make sure it is the right thing for your relationship.
Should I do the procedure now or what happens if I wait to do the procedure?
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Purchase a special soap called Hibiclens to be used for 7 days before surgery. (This can be purchased from your pharmacy without a prescription.) While showering or bathing clean the area of the lower abdomen, penis, scrotum, between the legs and the rear. Lather and leave the soap on for 1-2 minutes before rinsing. Do not shave yourself before your procedure. We will shave a small area at the time of your surgery If you are on blood thinners such Aspirin, Plavix, Ticlid, Coumadin )Warfarin), Vitamin E, Fish Oil or any over the counter supplement that can increase risk of bleeding these must be stopped prior to surgery. Aspirin and Plavix are usually stopped 7-10 days prior to surgery. Warfarin/Coumadin are usually stopped 5 days prior. The doctor who prescribed these medications—eg. your primary physician or cardiologist—needs to be aware that you are stopping these medications and will tell you if it’s safe.
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How do I prepare for this surgery?
How do I recover from this procedure?
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We try to send most patients home on the same day as their surgery. Occasionally men will stay one night in the hospital for control of pain or for post-anesthesia care (such as sleep apnea).
Keep the site clean and dry for 24 hours. Do not shower for 24 hours after the procedure then shower or sponge bath only for two weeks. No heavy lifting (30 pounds), exercise or strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks. Returning to work will depend on your employment.
Follow instructions on taking your antibiotics and pain medicine. Finish the antibiotics you are prescribed unless you have a reaction to the antibiotic.
Take only as much pain medication as needed.
Avoid long periods of standing or walking in the first 7-10 days following the procedure. Elevate your scrotum with a towel to discourage scrotal swelling.
If you have any fevers, chills, discharge from the wound or worsening pain after receiving your implant, please contact Minnesota Urology at 651-999-6800 to have us evaluate for a postoperative infection.
Most patients will need about 2 weeks before the swelling goes away and the penis becomes more comfortable and will begin to inflate and use the device by 6 weeks after surgery.
Is this procedure covered by insurance?
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Yes. This procedure has very good insurance coverage. We do need to make sure we have coverage prior to proceeding with the surgery, called prior authorization. That is typically handled at the level of our business office and you discussing the procedure with your insurance carrier.
www.edcure.org is the Boston Scientific website for men with erectile dysfunction.