What are Penile Implants?
Urological prostheses and penile implants, which are used to eliminate erectile dysfunction that may occur in the male reproductive system, play an important role in maintaining the active sexual life. Urological prostheses, which are used in erection problems that may occur due to age, chronic diseases and lifestyle, and in cases where other treatment methods do not work, can be easily applied by surgical methods. Although this type of procedure is the last preferred treatment method since it is considered a surgical method, considering the results of the application, it can be said that this approach gives very good results for both the patient and his partner.
What are the types of Penile Implants?
Urological penile prosthesis types are divided into two different groups as semi-rigid or inflatable models. Inflatable prostheses, which are widely used and frequently preferred because they offer a more comfortable experience, can be easily activated for use and then deflated in the same way. The three-piece inflatable models work with the help of a reservoir placed just below the abdominal wall, a pump, a relief valve placed inside the scrotum and two inflatable cylinders placed inside the penis. This type of prosthesis is among the most frequently used models as it allows a natural and real erection. In inflatable models, it is seen that all parts are hidden inside the body by a surgical operation. Since it can be deflated when not in use, this kind of a prosthesis cannot be noticed from outside. Although it is the most advantageous type of penile prosthesis in terms of ease of use, since it contains more parts than other prosthesis models, the probability of problems with these parts is naturally higher. Semi-rigid prostheses, which are the second urological prosthesis model, are designed to contain fewer parts and this prosthesis is relatively easy to place in the body by surgical intervention. However, it should be noted that this model may be more visible under the clothes than the other model.
Why it is done?
Today, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5 inh.) are used as first-line therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, this treatment fails in 35% of erectile dysfunction patients. Other treatment options for these patients include,
- intracavernosal injections,
- vacuum devices
- penile prostheses.
Treatment options other than penile prosthesis may not be effective or suitable for every patient. Penile prosthesis implantation is one of the most important treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
How to Prepare for Penile Implant Surgery?
Although urological implants are seen as the most ideal treatment method in terms of the results of the application, it is useful to perform a general urological and physical examination before deciding on surgery. The patient's inability to get results from other psychological or physiological methods and the fact that the erection problem could not be resolved with different solutions makes surgical intervention in a sense obligatory. However, urological implants may not be accepted by the patient's body, even partially, after surgery. In some cases, penile prosthesis surgery may cause different complications. Which type of implant model will be used is closely related to the success of the surgery. For this reason, it is very important to give detailed information to the patient in this regard and to control the situation before the operation.
How is Penile Implant Surgery Performed?
Penile prosthesis implantation is a relatively easy operation. It can be said that the operation takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Each implant is specially designed according to the patient's body dimensions. A catheter is inserted into the bladder region in order to drain the urine accumulated in the bladder during the surgery. The selected implant can be easily inserted into the body through an incision made just below the glans or the abdomen. Prosthesis suitable in size and 2 implant cylinders are placed into the penis during the operation. To apply two- and three-piece inflatable prostheses, a pump and valve are positioned in the patient's scrotum. For three-piece prostheses, a special fluid-filled reservoir is also added inside the abdominal wall. After the device is fully placed, all incisions opened at the beginning of the surgery are sutured and the surgery is completed.
What Can Happen After Penile Implant Surgery?
Urological implant surgeries are simple surgeries that are performed in a short time and the patient can easily return to his normal life. However, it is quite normal for the patient to feel pain for a certain period of time, as after any surgical intervention. The mild pain felt may last up to several weeks in some cases. It is of great importance to use antibiotics given by the doctor in order to prevent infections that may occur after the surgery. Patients can easily return to normal physical activity and sexual life within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. In order for the use of urological implants to become practical and the patient to get used to the use of prostheses more easily, daily exercise is among the factors that the doctor may recommend.
For whom are urological prostheses not suitable?
Urological prostheses, which solve an important problem that men may encounter in their sexual lives, are not suitable for some candidates. Some chronic diseases, routinely used drugs, and various infections are among the conditions that may prevent a person from wearing a penile prosthesis. People who have frequent urinary tract infections and those with lung infection problems are among the patient groups in which the penile prosthesis method cannot be used. Diabetic patients are also included in this group. At the same time, before the surgery, the patient should fully understand that the implants will not cause some physical changes. Applied prostheses ensure that the erection function is fully fulfilled, but do not cause an increase in sexual desire and desire in the individual. It should also be noted that urological prostheses will not increase the size of the genitals.
Does Urological Prosthesis Implantation Carry Risks?
Urological prosthesis surgeries have some risks, albeit partial. It is important for the patient to know the possible risks that he may encounter as a result of the application, in order to be satisfied with the result of the surgery. These risks can be listed as follows:
- Risk of Infection: The patient may become infected due to some discomforts before the surgery and some complications after the surgery.
- Structural Implant Problems: It should be noted that penile implants produced with highly reliable materials may malfunction or deteriorate in some cases. In such cases, a new surgical intervention is required to remove the product from its place and repair it or replace it with a new one.
What are the Advantages of Urological Prostheses?
The goal of the operation is for patients to be able to have and maintain sexual intercourse whenever they want after the operation. Although it takes some time to become practical in use and to get used to this new mechanism in the body, its contributions to the lives of individuals and couples are great in the long run. In cases where the body does not accept the prosthesis or the patient cannot get used to living with this new implant, it is possible to remove the device with a new surgical intervention. In cases where the patient wants to switch to a different model from the prosthesis used, a change can be made in this regard with a new surgical intervention.
