Erectile dysfunction is a common affection among men. It is a treatable condition, but it can be serious if left untreated. For men who have severe erectile dysfunction, the most suitable solution would be penile implant surgery. People who have no other conventional treatment options left should opt for surgery instead.
This type of implant has a considerable success rate. Patients opt for this solution when impotence impacts their life. In many cases, younger people choose surgery to regain their sexual capacities and lead an everyday life.
Penile implant surgery – what does it involve?
Penile implant surgery has the purpose of recovering the penis’ rigidity during erection. This allows the patient to have an everyday sexual life. One should consider this procedure only when other treatment schemes don’t work. The penile surgery doesn’t alter the penis’ sensitivity nor the libido. The urologist will perform the surgery under general anesthesia.
You will also have to follow the antibiotic treatment to prevent infections. The incision for the surgery is tiny and will be present between the scrotum and penis. The effects are long-term or even permanent. Patients who a medical record that contains one of the following aspects should avoid penile implant surgery:
- Long-term catheters in the body
- A removed bladder
- Long-term or repeated hospitalizations
What types of penile implants are there?
There are multiple types of penile implants you can choose from. The first and most common one is the inflatable implant. Men who opt for penile implant surgery prefer this type because the erection is generated at their convenience.
Inflatable implants come in two kinds: two-piece and three-piece. Two-piece penile implants contain cylinders and a scrotal pump. Three-piece ones have a fluid tank in addition. The tank allows the penis to deflate completely. The pump is activated manually to produce an erection.
Two-piece implants are not as effective as three-piece ones, but they are medically easier to insert. Another type is the rigid rod implant. During the surgery, two flexible rods will be inserted into the penis. This leads to a permanent penis rigidity that resembles erection.
After inserting these rods, the penis remains rigid yet flexible enough to bend. If you live in Miami, Broward, or Palm Beach county, you could contact Gousse Urology to evaluate your options for penile implant surgery. They are widespread in medical clinics, and most surgeons know how to perform the procedure.
Does penile implant surgery have side effects?
Like any other surgical procedure, penile implant surgery can have side effects. Some of them are reversible, while others are permanent. The latter ones occur very rarely. The impact of the side effects will vary from one patient to another. The recovery period will also involve unpleasant effects. Some consequences of penile implant surgery are:
- Bruising and inflammation
- Infection or fibrosis
- Blood vessel damage
- Bladder damage
- Cardiovascular problems
- Device erosion
- Device malfunctioning
Alternatives to the penile implant surgery
Before opting for penile implant surgery, you must make sure that no other options work. Patients who want this type of surgery should first try oral medication and injections. Oral tablets are the first treatment scheme for erectile dysfunction.
They are followed by penile injections and suction devices. The intraurethral administration of prostaglandin or alprostadil suppositories might also help. Administering such treatment can be painful or uncomfortable, though.
All these alternatives can be frustrating for the patient as they are not permanent. For patients with Peyronie’s disease, penile implant surgery is the last resort. In this case, oral treatment or injections won’t work. The same goes for acute ischemic priapism. The only option for such diseases is penile implant surgery.