Penile prosthesis implant
WHAT IS A PENILE PROSTHESIS?
It consists of silicone or bioflex cylinders (biocompatible substance with the body), with an anatomical structure. It is inserted in pairs of two inside the penile corpora cavernosa. They produce the necessary rigidity for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
WHAT DOES PENILE IMPLANT SURGERY CONSIST OF?
There are various methods for implanting a prosthesis. The average surgery time is 45 minutes with local or loco-regional anaesthesia. There are three types of incisions: the infra-pubic incision (in the abdomen, above the penis), the incision on the penis, and the scrotal incision (in the scrotum, under the penis).
HOW LONG IS POST SURGERY IN-CLINIC STAY?
As it is a minor surgery, the post-operation period does not require specific care: the patient can leave the clinic within the 12-24 hours after the intervention, except diabetic patients who are recommended a minimum in-clinic stay of 48 hours. The patient may restart a normal sexual activity after approximately 3 or 4 weeks.
IS A PROSTHESIS THE BEST SOLUTION FOR IMPOTENCE?
No, but in 10% of cases it is the only solution to ED problems that were untreatable some years ago. It is a relatively new discovery (30 years of existence) in medical science that solves many ED problems. If a patient does not respond to pharmacological treatment and/or erection has been lost as a result of surgery (prostate surgery or colo-rectal surgery for example), a penile prosthesis will be the next treatment option.
HOW MANY TYPES OF PROSTHESIS ARE AVAILABLE?
There are five main types of prosthesis:
· Flexible
· Malleable
· Hydraulic (one piece)
· Hydraulic (two pieces)
· Hydraulic (three pieces)
Each of these types has its own characteristics, it’s advisable to consult the doctor to make an informed choice.
MALLEABLE PROSTHESIS
The malleable prosthesis consists of two cylinders that are implanted inside the corpora cavernosa. The position of the cylinders is adjusted upwards for sexual intercourse or downwards for daily activities.