Penile Prosthesis Implantation Surgery

Scientific Editor: Editorial Board ISUD website

What is Penile Prosthesis Implantation Surgery?

Penile Prosthesis Implantation Surgery is the placement of prosthesis within the body of the penis to treat erectile dysfunction.

When is it performed?

The surgery is performed on patients who do not respond to other treatments, such as medications and intrapenile injections, and seek a permanent solution to the problem.

What preparation is required for the procedure?

Upon hospital admission, preoperative preparation includes blood tests, chest X-ray and ECG (electrocardiogram). In case you are on anticoagulant therapy, it may be required to interrupt your anticoagulant therapy a few days before the operation. You should always consult your Cardiologist, for there may be need to replace anticoagulants with injections in the abdominal region. 

How is the procedure performed?

The surgery requires general or spinal anesthesia. Initially, the patient is placed in the supine position and the area is sterilized. An incision is performed between the penis and scrotum, and the prosthesis is inserted into each corpus cavernosum. At the end of the operation the incision is covered with a patch. The average hospital stay is 2 days.

Often placing a catheter is required, which is usually removed the day after surgery.

What about after the procedure?

The first 24 hours you may feel pain in the area which is controlled by analgesics.

Upon discharge from hospital you will also get written instructions about:

  • the antibiotic treatment you will receive
  • how long you should wait before using the prosthesis (about a month).

For two weeks you should abstain from any kind of physical exercise and strain.

You should consult your cardiologist about when to restart you anticoagulation treatment.

What is the effect on patient’s quality of life?

The majority of patients do not face any problem after surgery. Your physician should inform you on how to use the implanted device. The potential risks of surgery is the technical problem that may arise and inflammation. The probability of a technical problem with the new technology prostheses has dropped to <5 % at 5 years, while the risk of contamination is avoided by systemic administration of antibiotics. The risk for complications is higher in patients with diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression and spinal cord injury.