Inflatable penile prosthesis for erectile dysfunction
A penile prosthesis can be an option when other treatments for erectile dysfunction have failed. A small proportion of men will not get benefit from oral medications, injections, or a vacuum pump. In the right men, the insertion of an inflatable penile prosthesis can be an excellent solution.
It works by using a pump placed in the scrotum to inflate 2 cylinders in the penis, giving the ability to have an erection on demand.
There are some downsides, however.
The device is very expensive but is usually covered by medical insurance.
With any foreign material, there is always a risk of infection. This infection risk is higher in men who are overweight, smokers, or diabetic.
There is always a small risk of the device failing.
In addition, the glans or head of the penis does not engorge like a normal erection.
In men who have not had any luck with other treatments, a penile prosthesis can be an excellent treatment.
Procedure
The procedure involves an operation done under general anaesthetic. It usually takes 60-90 minutes, with an overnight stay in hospital.
The device itself is of 3 parts:
2 cylinders go inside the penis itself,
a pump that sits in the scrotum,
and a fluid reservoir that sits inside the abdomen.
The procedure is done through an incision in the scrotum. Occasionally another cut is needed in the groin to place the reservoir. Often there will be a drain and possibly a catheter in place upon waking.
A compression dressing is wrapped around the penis to reduce bruising and swelling.
The drain normally comes out the day after surgery.
The device is often inflated overnight and is deflated before you go home.
