PENILE IMPLANT

General Information

DEFINITION--Insertion of semiflexible plastic bars or an inflatable prosthesis in the penis. The former produces a permanent, partial erection. The latter can be inflated at will.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Penis.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Impotence.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Stress.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Alcoholism.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Urologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Spinal anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

Plastic Implant:

• An incision is made in the underside of the penis.
• The tissues on both sides of the urethra are expanded to allow placement of the implants.
• An implant is placed on each side of the urethra.
• The skin is closed with sutures that will be absorbed by the body. Inflatable Prosthesis:
• An incision is made in the top side of the penis.
• The penile tissue is stretched to allow placement of the prosthesis. The fluid reservoir for the prosthesis is implanted under the skin above the bladder at the base of the pelvis. The prosthesis can be inflated by applying pressure on the reservoir.
• The skin is closed with sutures that will be absorbed by the body.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Surgical-wound infection.
• Rejection of synthetic implants.
• Erosion of skin or urethra.
• Mechanical failure.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--3 to 7 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete recovery without complications. Allow about 4 weeks for recovery from surgery. Penile sensations and sexual arousal should be near normal.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• A hard ridge should form along the incision. As it heals, the ridge will recede gradually. After healing, the prosthesis should cause no discomfort.
• Use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
• Bathe and shower as usual. You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

ACTIVITY

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.
• Resume sexual relations when your doctor determines that healing is complete.
• Resume driving 1 week after returning home.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience new symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation or abdominal swelling.
• You have pain or difficulty with urination.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.