At Georgetown, we use a multidisciplinary approach, involving specialists from Urology, Psychiatry and Neurology to treat erectile dysfunction. Our specialists also offer some surgical options for erectile dysfunction, including penile implant surgery.
What is a penile implant?
Penile implants are prosthetic devices implanted inside the penis that allow men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to get an erection. Penile implants allow the patients to achieve a rigid erection on demand without any effect on their libido.
Who are candidates for penile implant?
Patients have failed conservative treatment with pills, suppositories, vacuum devices or injections, are candidates for penile implant surgery.
What are the different kinds of penile implants?
There are 2 types of penile implants: malleable and inflatable. In most circumstances, a 3 piece penile implant is inserted.
What to expect from implant surgery?
Prior to the procedure, patients undergo a physical examination, and their history is reviewed. Most patients receive regional or general anesthesia and are admitted overnight after the operation. The procedure usually lasts about an hour and the recovery time is usually 1 week. Most patients are discharged the day after the operation on antibiotics and pain medications. Patients are advised to refrain from strenuous activity, sexual activity and implant usage for 6 weeks.
What are the complications of penile implant surgery?
Common complications of penile implant surgery include but are not limited to implant infection, mechanical failure, device erosion, device migration, sizing problems, and auto-inflation. Injury to nearby organs like urethra and corpora cavernosa are also possible. Infection occurs in approximately 2-3% of primary (first time) implant surgeries. Infection and subsequent device removal may result in penile scaring and loss of penile length, which may lead to the inability to perform any further implant surgery.
What are the satisfaction rates?
Penile implants offer the patient a very high level of satisfaction (90% in patients, 75% in partners) when compared to other forms of ED treatment. This is due to their spontaneity, consistency, and rigidity. However, preoperative counseling is very important to ensure that the patient has realistic expectations regarding their outcome. It is important to make sure the patient understands that penile prostheses only increase hardness of the shaft of the penis; and that they do not routinely lengthen the penis.
