Inflatable Penile Prosthesis
An inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is an effective treatment option for erectile dysfunction. It is particularly effective in males who have failed other medical therapies for the treatment of their erections. Erectile dysfunction refers to the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection for effective sexual intercourse. If medication or conservative methods of treatment for erectile dysfunction have not achieved the desires response, a penile prosthetic (IPP) may be recommended. An inflatable penile prosthesis is surgically implanted into the penis and scrotum, and can be activated to simulate an erection by pumping fluid from a reservoir into inflatable tubes in the penis. The penis will stay erect until it is deflated.
Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
Prior to surgery, the patient is put under general anesthesia. A urinary catheter may be temporarily inserted into the bladder. During the surgery, the surgeon implants cylinders in the two hollow chambers in the penis called the corpora cavernosa. This is the area that would normally fill with blood during an erection. A pump and a valve button are surgically inserted inside the scrotum. Depending on the specific prosthetic that is being used, the surgeon may also make an abdominal incision and implant a fluid reservoir under the abdominal wall. Once the device is in place, the surgeon stitches the incisions closed. The patient generally spends one night in the hospital for pain control and observation. The catheter is generally removed before discharge home. There may be a small drain left in place.
Recovery from Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
Patients may experience mild to moderate pain for a few weeks after the surgery. Pain medication is prescribed and antibiotics are also given to prevent infection. It is important that the antibiotics are finished. Ice packs and supportive underwear can be helpful. Regular physical activity can be resumed 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Sexual activity can be resumed within the same time frame.
Results of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
After recovery, the inflatable penile prosthetic device can be inflated by squeezing the pump several times to transfer fluid from the reservoir to the chambers in the penis. It does take some practice to be confident in using the prosthesis, but over time can be achieved very quickly and efficiently. This fluid straightens and hardens the penis, causing an erection. The doctor may advise the patient to inflate and deflate the penile implants each day, to practice using them and stretch the area where the cylinders have been implanted and to help with healing. . During sexual intercourse, most men still have the same sensations on the outer skin of the penis and the inflatable penile prosthesis does not affect the man’s ability to reach orgasm or ejaculate. Partner satisfaction is very high with penile prosthesis implant.
Risks of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery
While it is considered a safe procedure, penile prosthesis surgery carries risks that may include but not limited to:
● Infection
● Bleeding
● Injury to the penis or scrotum
● Risk of infection in future
● Risk of inflatable penile prosthetic malfunctioning or may break through the skin
● If inflatable penile prosthetic is removed, a patient would not be able to achieve an erection on their own