Penile Prosthetics
The long-term cure for erectile dysfunction.
Penile prosthetics are the most technologically-advanced treatment option for individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED). The treatment involves a brief 30- to 60-minute outpatient surgical procedure wherein a device is permanently placed beneath the skin of the penis to allow the patient to achieve a full erection manually. In many cases, the right prosthesis can cure erectile dysfunction and enable patients to return to healthy sexual activity.
Common Symptoms and Contributing Factors:
- Achieve a full erection
- Maintain normal sensation of the skin
- Able to reach orgasm
- Conceive children
- Satisfaction rating: 87%1
- The success rate after 15 years: 85%
Penile Prosthetics
The long-term cure for erectile dysfunction.
Penile prosthetics are the most technologically-advanced treatment option for individuals with erectile dysfunction (ED). The treatment involves a brief 30- to 60-minute outpatient surgical procedure wherein a device is permanently placed beneath the skin of the penis to allow the patient to achieve a full erection manually. In many cases, the right prosthesis can cure erectile dysfunction and enable patients to return to healthy sexual activity.
Common Symptoms and Contributing Factors:
- Achieve a full erection
- Maintain normal sensation of the skin
- Able to reach orgasm
- Conceive children
- Satisfaction rating: 87%1
- Success rate after 15 years: 85%
1Long-term survival and patient satisfaction with inflatable penile prosthesis for the treatment of erectile dysfunction
Am I a Candidate for a Penile Prosthesis?
- Post-prostatectomy patients (including those who develop venous leaks).
- Patients with heart disease, diabetes, or vascular disease.
- Patients with Peyronie’s disease.
If you are a candidate for penile prosthesis surgery, Dr. Lowe will carefully discuss all options, risks, and side effects with you. Once a penile implant is placed, it is very difficult to revert to other forms of treatment. For this reason, he may recommend medication and other forms of therapy prior to considering surgical intervention.
3 Types of Penile Prosthetics:
Any patient with erectile dysfunction can consider a penile prosthesis, especially those with underlying medical conditions that may negatively interact with ED medication, such as nitrate drugs or individuals with hypotension, hypertension, liver disease, or kidney disease. Other promising candidates include:- 1. A Malleable Prosthesis: A simple, flexible rod inserted beneath the skin on both sides of the penis that can be bent upward when an erection is desired or down when it is not.
- 2. A Two-Piece Prosthesis: Two cylinders placed in the penis and a pump and valve placed in the scrotum. The device includes a reservoir that pumps fluid to the cylinders in the penis, allowing the user to inflate the device when an erection is desired. To deflate the device, the user bends the penis, allowing fluid to drain back into the reservoir.
- 3. A Three-Piece Prosthesis: Similar to the two-piece prosthesis, except the fluid-filled reservoir is implanted under the abdominal wall and is accompanied by a release valve placed in the scrotum. To achieve an erection, a user pumps fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders in the penis. To deflate the device, the user releases the valve to drain fluid back into the reservoir.
About the Surgical Procedure
Penile prosthesis surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will return home the same day. You will be placed under general anesthesia while Dr. Lowe uses a no-touch approach and advanced, minimally-invasive surgical techniques to permanently implant the device components beneath the skin. Once implanted, the prosthesis is completely hidden.
The stitches used to close the tiny surgical incision will dissolve on their own and do not require removal. Penile implants have minimal risks and side effects. Some pain and swelling is common for one or two weeks following the procedure and can be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication and ice. Wearing a jockstrap or tight underwear can also help reduce swelling and discomfort. Most patients will begin to work with the device in as little as 3-4 weeks and can return to normal activities within 8 weeks.
