Penile prostheses are surgical devices that are surgically implanted to provide penile stiffness in men with erectile dysfunction. Penile prostheses, which were first used in the 1970s, have undergone many changes thanks to the advancement of technology and a better understanding of how penile hardening occurs. Thanks to these changes, undesirable complications after penile prosthesis implantation are less common, and prosthesis use is no longer a taboo. In treating erectile dysfunction seen in men with organic or psychogenic erection problems, surgically placed penile prostheses provide significant benefits in patients who do not benefit despite the use of non-surgical methods such as drug therapy, injection therapy, and vacuum devices. Organic causes of erectile dysfunction include diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries or diseases, pelvis fracture, arteriosclerosis, priapism, and Peyronie’s disease. The prostheses used during penile prosthesis implantation consist of the one-piece malleable and three-piece inflatable. Malleable prostheses can be placed in a more straightforward operation because they are made of one piece and can be quickly ready for use by manually turning them into an upright position. Inflatable three-piece penile prostheses, on the other hand, contribute to the hardening of the penis by filling the prosthesis with liquid by inflating the pump using the hydraulic principle.
How is one-piece malleable penile prosthesis implantation performed?
Prostheses, also known as penile implants, used in men with erectile dysfunction are placed in the penis in pairs. The physician selects a one-piece malleable penile prosthesis in diameters and lengths suitable for the patient’s anatomical structure. Two prostheses are placed in the canals called corpus cavernosum, usually found in the penis due to an incision made under the penis, and provide hardening by filling with blood. Because it is malleable, it is easier to place with penile prosthesis implantation, and the operation time is shorter. Due to the short operation duration, the infection risk during or after the operation is low. As a result of technological developments, there are also one-piece penile prostheses with hydrophilic coating. Implantation of the hydrophilic coated penile prosthesis provides convenience for the surgeon, while the coating prevents the adhesion and proliferation of bacteria on the prosthesis surface. The hydrophilic coating also contributes to the healing process in case of a possible infection, thanks to its ability to absorb antibiotics.
How is a three-piece penile prosthesis implanted?
The Three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis consists of a pump, a reservoir, and two cylindrical parts. Surgically, the inflatable pump is placed in the testis, while the reservoir is placed in the abdomen. Thanks to these parts, connected through a particular tube system, the liquid in the reservoir allows the cylinder prosthetic parts placed in the penis to swell when the pump is compressed. Thus, a natural-looking erection is obtained. According to the 2019 EAU (European Association of Urology) guidelines, it is frequently preferred because it has the highest satisfaction rate in prosthesis implantation treatment (92-100% in patients and 91-95% in partners). Although implantation of a three-piece penile prosthesis takes a little longer, prostheses with hydrophilic coatings reduce the risk of infection. Among the three-piece penile prostheses and the transversely expanding prosthesis types, both transverse and longitudinal growing types are suitable for the anatomical needs of the patients, and transverse expanding types with a narrow body can be preferred.
Contact us via the “Contact Form” on the rigicon.com website to learn the payment terms. Patients who want more details about penile prosthesis surgery to treat erectile dysfunction can consult a urology physician to determine whether they are suitable for this treatment.