Penile Prosthetic Surgery
A selection of treatment choices is currently accessible to patients with Erectile Dysfunction (ED). All of which should be discussed with your urologist first. The treatments presently offered for ED patients include oral medicines, injectables, intraurethral suppositories, shockwave therapies, psychotherapy and penile surgeries.
These treatments for erectile dysfunction are successful to varying levels and can be taken by patients to treat ED caused by either physical or psychological causes.
If non-surgical treatment is ineffective for you, surgical treatment involving the implantation of a penile prosthesis is an option. This could be an effective penile cancer treatment.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need about penile prosthesis surgery for erectile dysfunction.
What is a penile prosthesis?
Penile prosthetic surgery has been practised for 30 years and has a far higher patient and partner satisfaction rate than any other ED treatment.
It is a permanent and effective method of restoring sexual function, enabling spontaneous sexual engagement and alleviating sexual performance anxiety.
The penile prosthesis procedure involves a three-piece fluid-filled inflatable prosthesis made up of two inflatable cylinders implanted in the penis. A pump is inserted in the scrotum, and a fluid-filled reservoir is implanted in the lower abdomen.
Kinds of penile implants
When the underlying medical cause of ED is clear, as well as when the problem is unlikely to disappear or resolve on its own or through other medical therapies, penile implants are generally implemented. When men decide to get a penile implant, they can choose between two different kinds:
Inflatable implants
This is the most common kind of implant for the penis. They use a fluid-filled reservoir to make silicone cylinders in the penis grow or shrink, just like the flow of blood, to get the penis to work again. Users can make the penis bigger or smaller by moving fluid between the rods in the penis and a reservoir implanted in the abdominal wall or the scrotum.
Semi-rigid implants
This penile implant has a rod that is always somewhat stiff. This keeps the penis from getting too soft, even when the person isn’t trying to get an erection. When not in use, a semi-rigid implant in the penis is hidden by putting it against the body.
Other designs can fit a penis that is shorter or bigger than average. There are also coatings for inflatable penile implants that prevent infection and reduce friction. These coatings might help the implant last longer and reduce the risk of infection.
How does penile implant surgery work?
BEFORE
- A penile implant is usually done in a hospital or surgery centre.
- Your doctor might give you medicine to make you sleep through the surgery (general anaesthesia) or medication to stop the pain in your lower body (spinal anesthesia).
- Your doctor or nurse will give you antibiotics through an IV to help keep you from getting sick. Before surgery, the area will be washed with an antibiotic solution that contains alcohol and shaved to lower the risk of infection.
DURING
- During surgery, a tube (catheter) might be put into your bladder through your penis to collect urine. Your doctor will make a cut below the penis head, at the penis base, or in the lower abdomen.
- Next, your doctor will stretch the soft tissue in your penis that fills with blood when you have an erection. The corpora cavernosa are two hollow chambers that hold this tissue.
- Your doctor will pick the right size implant and put the cylinders of the implant inside your penis. All sizes are made to fit your body exactly.
- If your doctor puts in a two-piece, inflatable device, they will put a pump and a valve inside your scrotum. For a three-piece device, they will use the first cut to put a fluid reservoir above or below the abdominal wall. There are times when a second cut is made in the abdomen.
- When the device is in place, your doctor will close the cuts with stitches. Most of the time, getting a penile implant takes 45 minutes to an hour.
AFTER
- Most likely, you’ll need to take painkillers after getting a penile implant. Often, an injection that works for 48 to 72 hours is given into the scrotum to help relieve pain. Pain might be mild and last for a few weeks. You might be told to take an antibiotic by mouth for a week.
- Ask your doctor or nurse when you can do your usual things again. Most men can go back to sexual activity and physical activities that are hard on their bodies about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
- After you learn how to use the device, which usually takes 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, your doctor might suggest that you blow up and deflate inflatable penile implants to get used to using them and to stretch the area around the cylinders.
Prosthetic Testicle Cost Australia
The cost of a prosthetic testicle will vary depending on your chosen urologist. In our case, the in-clinic surgery will incur:
- Hospital costs
- Anaesthetist Fees
- Dr Katelaris’ Fee
What are the results of penile implants?
There is a substantial difference in a penile implant before and after the surgery.
After the surgery, the penis is always semi-rigid with the implant and only needs to be raised or tweaked into an erect state to begin sexual intercourse.
Men who have suffered spinal cord injuries or have inadequate hand muscles may benefit from this.
Penile implant surgery allows men to have an erection whenever they want. They are quick and easy to conceal, making them look more natural. Other people won’t be able to tell that a guy has an inflatable penile prosthesis even though men who have had the penile implant surgery will appear to have a minor surgical scar where the bottom of the penis meets the scrotal sac or in the lower abdomen right above the penis.
A penile prosthesis implant surgery may also be used to treat Peyronie’s disease, a condition in which scar tissue and plaque build under the skin of the penis, and priapism, or recurrent and protracted erection of the penis.
Is Penile prosthesis implant surgery safe?
No surgical procedure is entirely devoid of risks and complications. Complications that can arise from having penile implants include uncontrolled bleeding in the aftermath of the operation (this could require further surgical intervention), infections and erosion, which necessitates removal (since the tissue around the implant may break down). Scar tissues may also emerge, and failure of the operation due to mechanical causes is also a risk. Failure of the procedure results in re-operation and removal of the devices.
Penile implant recovery
Every patient’s experience is unique, and you should discuss your options with your urologist. The surgery may cause discomfort and soreness. Returning to a regular daily schedule of light activity usually takes a few days. Recovery from penile prosthesis surgery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. The implant must be disabled during this period to allow you to heal. The implant will be activated at your post-operative consultation, and you can utilise it to resume sexual function.
After the recuperation period, you will be taught pump manipulation techniques that will allow you to inflate and deflate the penile prosthesis.
Penile Implant Reviews Australia
If you’re still apprehensive about surgery, it may help to hear the experience of others.
David Sandoe OAM and Pam Sandoe OAM, who survived prostate cancer surgery and decided to have a penile prosthesis to restore their quality of life as a couple, shared their experiences with penile implants. David and Pam talk about what a penile implant feels like, what it looks like on the outside and compares sex from before and after the implant.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME? HOW LONG UNTIL I CAN USE THE IMPLANT?
You can generally expect recovery from penile prosthesis surgery to last 4 – 6 weeks. The implant needs to be deactivated during this time to allow you to heal. At your post-operative appointment, the implant will be activated, and you can use it to restore sexual function.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN RECOVERY FROM PENILE PROSTHESIS SURGERY?
After surgery, patients may have mild to moderate pain for a few weeks. Antibiotics are also given to prevent infection and help with the pain. It is important to finish all of the antibiotics. Ice packs and underwear that provide you with support can help. After 4 to 6 weeks, you can go back to your normal activities. Within the same amount of time, sexual activity can start up again.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF HAVING A PENILE PROSTHESIS?
After healing, the penile prosthetic can be inflated by squeezing the pump several times to move fluid from the reservoir to the chambers in the penis. It does take some practice to feel comfortable using the prosthesis, but with time and effort, this can be done quickly and well. This fluid makes the penis straight and hard, which causes an erection.
Your urologist will tell you to blow up and deflate the penile implants every day to get used to them, stretch the area where the cylinders were put in, and help the body heal. Most men still feel the same things on the outside of their penis when they are sexually active, and the inflatable penile prosthesis doesn’t change a man’s ability to get an orgasm or ejaculate. Partner satisfaction with penile prosthesis implants is exceptionally high.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF HAVING PENILE PROSTHESIS SURGERY?
Although it is regarded as a safe treatment, penile prosthesis surgery carries risks, including but not limited to the following:
-
- Infections
- Reactions to anaesthesia
- Risks of repeat surgery
- Bleeding
- Penis or testicle injury
- Future risk of infection
- The possibility that an inflatable penile prosthesis will malfunction or penetrate the skin
- If the patient’s inflatable penile prosthetic is removed, they would be unable to achieve an erection on
their own.
These will all be discussed in detail before surgery.
WILL I BE ABLE TO HAVE SPONTANEOUS ERECTIONS WITH A PENILE IMPLANT?
No. If you can still have erections on your own, which are satisfactory for intercourse, you should carefully consider whether an implant is right for you.
If you cannot have spontaneous erections or they are unsatisfactory for intercourse, the implant will be able to provide you with more “instant” erections compared to other non-surgical reatments for erectile dysfunction.
CAN I HAVE AN ORGASM WITH A PENILE IMPLANT?
Yes, if you could have one before the procedure, you should be able to have an orgasm with a penile prosthesis implanted.
HOW MUCH DOES A PENILE PROSTHESIS SURGERY COST?
Penile Prosthesis Cost in Australia varies per urologist. For us in our clinic, the surgery will incur hospital costs, anaesthetist fees and Doctor Katelaris’ fee.
Most private health insurance will cover or partially cover the cost of the implant. There are Medicare rebates for the surgery and the implant. If you’re interested in receiving a quote for a penile prosthesis surgery cost, contact our office here.
WILL ANYONE NOTICE THAT I HAVE AN IMPLANT?
This system is entirely concealed within the body. It is not visible to the naked eye, and no one will know you have an implant unless you tell them.
The device will not be detectable by airport security, and it is safe for you to have an MRI.
WHAT ARE THE PATIENT AND PARTNER SATISFACTION RATES WITH PENILE PROSTHETIC SURGERY?
Studies show that 9 out of 10 men and their partners were happy with the results of penile prosthetic surgery:
- 95% of men would undergo the procedure again.
- 92% would recommend the device to others.
- 90% of partners would recommend it to other couples.
HOW RELIABLE IS IPP?
Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is an effective therapy option for erectile dysfunction. It is especially beneficial for men who have failed to respond to previous medical treatments for erectile dysfunction. If medications or other conservative treatment methods for erectile dysfunction have not been successful, a penile prosthesis (IPP) may be suggested. An inflatable penile prosthesis is surgically implanted into the penis and scrotum. Fluid from a reservoir can be pumped into inflatable tubes in the penis to stimulate an erection. The penis will stay straight until the air is sucked out of it.
For more information regarding IPP, check out Dr Katelaris’ video here.
Need an Erectile Dysfunction Specialist Sydney?
Erectile dysfunction or ED is a common problem affecting millions of men around the world. It can be caused by various factors such as disease, stress, poor diet and lifestyle choices.
If you are suffering from ED, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The earlier you seek help, the better your chances of treatment success.
Dr Katelaris is one of the best urologists for Erectile Dysfunction in Sydney, with over 35 years of experience in the field. He can help you overcome your condition and enjoy a healthy sex life with your partner again. He’s committed to finding a treatment that’s right for you. Whether it’s a prescription medication, a non-invasive regimen or a surgical implant, he will seek an individualised treatment option for you to help with your condition.
If you have any questions about our services or if you’d like to make an appointment, feel free to reach out to us here.
REFERENCES
Advanced Urology. (2021, November 29). How does a penile implant work? Advanced Urology. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://advancedurology.com/advanced-blogging/how-does-a-penile-implant-work/
Galan, N. (2022). Penile implant: Surgery, size, and how they work. Medical News Today. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/penile-implant#surgery
Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 17). Penile implants. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/penile-implants/about/pac-20384916
Orlando Health Group Urology. (2020, November 25). Inflatable penile prosthesis. Orlando Health Medical Group Urology PUR Clinic. Retrieved June 20, 2022, from https://purclinic.com/inflatable-penile-prosthesis/