Penile prosthesis or penile implants are devices placed inside the penis to allow men with erectile dysfunction (ED) to get an erection. The medical device which is implanted within the corpora cavernosa of the penis during a surgical procedure, provides the highest levels of patient and partner satisfaction of all available treatment options. The device is indicated for use in men with organic or treatment-resistant impotence or ED that is the result of various physical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pelvic trauma, Peyronie's Disease, or as the result of prostate cancer treatments. Penile implants are typically recommended after other treatments for ED fail.

 

There are two main types of penile implants, semirigid and inflatable. Each type of penile implant works differently and has various pros and cons.

 

 

 

Semirigid or Malleable Rod Implant

With the semirigid or malleable rod implant, 2 matching cylinders are surgically implanted into the penis. To achieve an erection, you manually adjust the position of the penis. This implant provides enough rigidity for penetration and rarely breaks.

 

Advantages of the semirigid or malleable rod implant include:

• Simple surgery

• Relatively few complications

• No moving parts

• Least expensive implant

• 70-80% success rate

• Highly effective

 

 

 

Inflatable implant

The inflatable penile prosthesis consists of two attached cylinders -- a reservoir and a pump -- which 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.

 

This penile prosthesis is referred to as a 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis, due to the three different components. A 2-piece inflatable penile prosthesis consists of only two components: the attached cylinders and the combined reservoir and pump unit. Instead of the reservoir being placed behind the groin, it is combined with the pump into one housing unit that fits comfortably within the scrotum. The advantage of a 2-piece prosthesis in that the surgery is shorter and less complicated and there is no device parts in the abdomen. The disadvantage of the 2-piece prosthesis is that the smaller reservoir may not result in adequate erections in some men.

 

To inflate the prosthesis, the man presses on the pump. The pump transfers fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders in the penis, inflating them and causing an erection. Pressing on a deflation valve at the base of the pump returns the fluid to the reservoir, deflating the penis and returning it to the normal flaccid state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As stated earlier, the placement of penile implants requires surgery. Before choosing penile implants, Dr. Shoengold will ensure your understanding of what surgery involves, including possible risks, complications and follow-up care.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Shoengold and Strumeyer are experts at performing these surgical techniques for both inserting and revising penile prosthesis.