What is an insertion of penile implant?
- This procedure involves a surgical incision to allow two inflatable cylinders to be inserted into the shaft of the penis
- The cylinders are usually connected to a pump and a reservoir and filled with saline
- The hydraulic pumping action allows an erection to form and it can be released with a deflate button
Why do I need this?
This procedure is reserved for severe erectile dysfunction where sexual intercourse is not possible and other treatments have failed or are unsuitable
How long does it take?
90 – 120 minutes under a general anaesthetic
What are the risks?
- Infection is a major concern and antibiotics are given. In 1 – 2% of cases this occurs and requires removal of the device
- Bruising and swelling may occur and improves over 2 – 3 weeks
- Penile shortening is sometimes noticed and is contributed to by the underlying cause of erectile dysfunction
- Penile pain and awareness of the connecting tubes
- Loss of sensitivity is uncommon
- Thrombosis (blood clots and emboli) are uncommon.
What can I expect after surgery?
- Hospital stay is 2-4 days
- The devices give a good erection with good rigidity and some girth expansion
- Orgasm should still feel normal
- Patient satisfaction rates are over 80%