The inflatable penile prosthesis consists of two cylinders--a reservoir and a pump--that are placed surgically in the body. The two cylinders are inserted in the penis and connected by tubing to a separate reservoir of fluid. The reservoir is implanted under the groin muscles. A pump is also connected to the system and sits under the loose skin of the scrotal sac, between the testicles. To inflate the prosthesis, the man presses on the pump. This does not involve putting pressure on the testicles. The pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders in the penis, inflating them. Pressing on a deflation valve at the base of the pump returns the fluid to the reservoir, deflating the penis.
When the penis is inflated, the prosthesis makes the penis stiff and thick, similar to a natural erection. A penile prosthesis does not change sensation on the skin of the penis or ability to reach orgasm. Ejaculation is not affected. Once a penile prosthesis, it may destroy the natural erection reflex. Men usually cannot get an erection without inflating the implant. If the implant is removed, the man may never again have natural erections.
About 90%-95% of inflatable prosthesis surgeries are successful, meaning the implants produce erections suitable for intercourse. Satisfaction rates with the prosthesis are very high, and typically 80%-90% of men are satisfied with the results and say they would choose the surgery again.
No surgery is totally free of possible complications. Complications associated with penile implants include:
While men who have had the prosthesis surgery can see the small surgical scar where the bottom of the penis meets the scrotal sac, other people probably will be unable to tell that a man had an inflatable penile prosthesis. Most men would not be embarrassed in a locker room or public restroom, for example.
Several factors are considered prior to a selection of a device. Age of the patient and partner, overall penile size, ratio between the length to girth of penile shaft, ratio between crus (buried) and pendulous penis, ratio between penile length and size of scrotum, overall size of scrotum, size of glans penis, history of previously implant, presence of penile shaft or glans penis atrophy or deformity, previous abdominal surgery (bladder, prostate and colon) type of previous surgery (open vs. laparoscopy or robot), presence of an ostomy or ileal conduit, previous peripheral vascular surgery (femoral to femoral artery bypass), history of kidney transplant or other major pelvic surgery, presence or absence of penile curvature or fibrosis, patient’s body type, presence of a very prominent supra-pubic fat pad, whether or not the penis is circumcised, and overall patients health and life expectancy are factors that our doctors considers when choosing which implant is the best for that particular individual.
For this reason, a huge inventory of prosthesis is available for every case and therefore no need to compromise on size or types of device. Our doctors pick the prosthesis that will serve the patient best.
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