Penile implant: treatment for erectile dysfunction

Penile implants are devices placed inside the penis to allow men with erectile dysfunction to have a rigid and satisfactory erection. This technique has been performed for more than 50 years, and is absolutely consolidated and standardized. The devices currently available are of the highest quality.

The procedure requires a surgical intervention that is usually performed on an outpatient basis. It is important that the patient receives complete information that allows him or her to have adequate expectations. Therefore, Dr. Lledó, as an expert in reconstructive urology at Lyx Instituto de Urología, will explain the advantages of the penile implant, as well as its possible complications, postoperative and necessary recovery period.

He will answer all your questions, help you make the right decision and give you the best follow-up care.

When is the use of penile implants indicated?

For many men, erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated with medications (oral, intracavernous injection or intraurethral treatments) or by the use of a penile pump (vacuum device).

Penile implantation is generally indicated when pharmacological treatments are not effective. However, based on the high degree of satisfaction they provide (>90%), they can be considered as a consensual treatment with the patient at any time of the therapeutic process, after adequate and complete information, as recognized by the American Urological Association (AUA) Guidelines.

Implante peneano

Objectives of prosthesis surgery

  • To achieve penile rigidity adequate for penetration.
  • To recover the largest possible size and caliber of the penis, which will be different for each patient and depends on his own anatomy.
  • To recover a satisfactory sexual life with self-esteem, confidence and happiness.
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Penile implant benefits

Beneficios del implante peneano
  • The rigidity of the penis can be maintained as long as the patient and his partner wish, which allows sexual intercourse to become an act of fun and pleasure whose duration depends on what both people need or like.
  • It is a very safe treatment in experienced hands.
  • The penile implant provides a high rate of satisfaction in sexual relations, both for the patient and for the couple. However, it is essential that the man and his partner understand that the process of sexual arousal, erotic play and stimulation is essential. This allows the sensations to be absolutely pleasurable. The penile implant does not replace sexual play, but facilitates it.

THE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP OF THESE COUPLES HAS NO DIFFERENCE WITH THOSE IN WHICH THE MAN DOES NOT HAVE A PENILE IMPLANT. ON THE CONTRARY, IT CAN BE OF EVEN HIGHER QUALITY.

Technical aspects of penile implant

Penile implant surgery is generally performed with same day discharge (major outpatient surgery).

In 80% of the cases, the penile implant remains perfectly functional beyond 15 years, being perfectly feasible to replace it if necessary.

The key to treatment with prostheses is to reproduce the natural erection as closely as possible. Therefore, Dr. Lledó, a physician specialized in penile implants, will be able to give you an accurate diagnosis.

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Types of penile implants

The choice of the type of penile implant is made together with the patient after a thorough explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of each model. We treat each case individually, always considering the medical condition, lifestyle, personal preference and cost-benefit ratio.

Malleable

This type of penile implant consists of two flexible rods that produce a permanent rigidity, but are “flexible” so that they can be hidden. The surgical procedure is quick and safe, rarely develops mechanical problems (as there are no activation parts or connections) and is especially useful in men with complex medical problems.

Inflatables

These penile implants consist of two paired cylinders in the penis, a pump in the scrotum and a fluid-filled reservoir in the abdomen. The pump is activated by hand and allows for a state of flaccidity and/or erection, at the complete will of the partner.  It is the most frequently used type of device.

What is the penile implant procedure like?

Personalized consultation

Prior to the procedure, you will have a full counseling session with the specialized medical and nursing staff about the different types of penile implants, to show you what they look like and how they work.

  • Review of medical history: current and past medical conditions.
  • Performance of a physical examination to make sure penile implants are the best options for you. Ability to use your hands will also be examined, as some penile implants require greater manual dexterity than others.
  • Discuss expectations. Make sure you understand what the procedure entails and the type of penile implant that is best for you. Ideally, your partner should be present and fully involved in the process.

How is the surgery performed?

When a prosthesis is indicated, the best procedure is to reconstruct the penis and try to recover the measurements. Some simple complementary surgical measures can be agreed upon, which can increase the aesthetic effect of the penis size (section of suspensory ligaments, scrotoplasty, suprapubic lipectomy).

As for the implantation technique, it can be infrapubic or peno-scrotal. Dr. Lledó, urologist-surgeon at Lyx, will make an incision in the peno-scrotal angle (peno-scrotal technique) or in the root of the penis, below the pubis (infrapubic technique). He will then choose the correct size penile implant and place the implant cylinders inside your penis. All sizes are customized to your exact body measurements.

OUR THERAPEUTIC METHODOLOGY IS BASED ON AN INNOVATIVE AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY FORMULA, THE FUSION OF THE BEST SURGERY WITH PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC MEASURES THAT ALLOW TO RECOVER NOT ONLY THE ERECTILE CAPACITY, BUT ALSO THE SELF-ESTEEM AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE COUPLE.

What are the main risks of penile prosthetic surgery?

Infection

As with any surgery, infection is possible. There will be an increased risk of infection if the patient has a spinal cord injury or diabetes. However, today, with the new antibiotic-coated devices available, the risk is actually low, less than 2%.

Penile implant problems

New penile implant designs are reliable, but in rare cases, the implants may have mechanical problems. In this case, surgical revision may be necessary.

Would you like to contact Dr. Lledó?
Specialist in treating complex cases of reconstructive urology.

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Dr. Lledó
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