Monthly Archives: June 2019

Semi-Rigid (Malleable) Penile Implants

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

semi-rigid-malleable-penile-implant-surgeon-01Penile Implants are used to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED). They provide physical support to the penis so that the patient can achieve an erection. Semi-rigid implants are by far the cheapest and simplest to use. They are composed of two flexible, silicone rods that are surgically placed into the erectile tissue of the penis. Whenever the patient is ready for sexual activity, all he has to do is bend his penis upward. When he is done, he can turn the penis downward for concealment.

Pros of Semi-rigid Implant

Effortless and Simple to use

semi-rigid-penile-implant-info-top-nyc-specialist-02As with any medical device, there are pros and cons to the semi-rigid implant. The prosthesis provides a constant state of erection for the penis; therefore it is effortless to use primarily for men who have problems with manual dexterity. This also allows for spontaneous sexual activity because the patient does not need to wait for the device to be primed before using. Because of the relative simplicity of this implant and its installment, there are fewer components that can individually malfunction over time.

Mechanical Implant vs. Oral medication

There is no difference between the sensation, erection, and ejaculation of the patient with the use of the implant as compared to before the implant. Once surgically placed, the device is almost undetectable save for a few small surgical scars located on the underside of the penis. Oral medications such as Viagra work by enhancing nitric oxide already present in the patient’s body, before achieving an erection.

Since the implant is a mechanical device, it does not rely on the chemical makeup of the patient’s body to help the patient achieve an erection. Therefore there is a much lower failure rate with the implant as compared to the oral medications. Complications rates with semi-rigid implants are also lower as compared to inflatable implants.  Finally, the malfunction rate is less than five percent in the first five years, and the device lasts from eight to twelve years before it needs to be replaced.

Cons of Semi-rigid Implant

However, due to its constant rigid state, this implant can promote the highest rate of penile tissue erosion as compared to the other implants. The inability to return to a natural flaccid state can also cause some pain to the patient. If the patient has other chronic diseases that affect the vascular system, such as diabetes, the semi-rigid implant could worsen the health of the penile tissue.

If the patient requires repeated urethral catheterization, he may also experience faster erosion of the penis and may do better with an inflatable implant instead. Placement of the device can also remove the patient’s natural ability to have an erection. Finally, the device doesn’t offer any expansion of the girth or lengthening of the penis.

Satisfaction with Semi-Rigid (Malleable) Implant

penile-implant-satisfaction-after-surgery-ny-nyc-03Despite all of these issues, satisfaction rates continue to remain high (91%) for patients who have undergone semi-rigid penile implant surgery. The malleable implants continue to be an excellent choice especially for men who have difficulty with their hand and finger dexterities or who have limited mobility. Today, with many patients demanding higher quality and safer medical devices, there is continued research being done to improve upon the semi-rigid penile implants currently available on the market.

If you would like to know more about how penile implants can benefit you and your partner, contact us today at
(212) 370-4170 and schedule your free appointment.

To find out more about penile implants, visit our website at https://www.fifthavenueurology.com/penile-implants/

———

References

  1. Montague DK, Lakin MM. Early experience with the controlled girth and length expanding cylinder of the American Medical Systems Ultrex penile prosthesis. J Urol. 1992;148:1444–6.
  2. Mayo Clinic. Penile Implants. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/penile-implants/about/pac-20384916 

Penile Implant Surgery: Recovery after the Operation

Almost all males who are potential candidates for a penile implant procedure are eager to know the maximum time it will take to recover fully once the surgery is successfully performed. The recuperation happens faster than what most patients would like to believe, and the road to recovery is also less painful. Though the recovery period normally varies from patient to another, it generally takes a month and a half to completely convalesce.

You can start attending office or tend to your business 2-3 days after surgery and go back to engaging in sex from where you left off, within 4-5 weeks.

Recovering after penile implant surgery

You get better considerably within a couple of weeks following the surgical procedure. The incision area heals up to a great extent within a week of the surgery as does the discomfort and inflammation. You can also expedite the healing by following specific techniques like applying ice pack underneath the penis and scrotum.

However, you should be careful enough not to apply the pack directly on the penis or scrotum as it could lead to frostbite where the scar and fibrous tissues become injured or damaged permanently. For accessing the areas beneath the scrotum or penis, you’d have to raise them-it’d be best if you use a clean and dry towel positioned in between the thighs.

With the towel remaining where it is, take a brief or underwear, place it below the penis, and try to make it face your navel. Follow the same procedure for raising the scrotum.  Now, you’re in a position to press the cold pack comfortably on the undersides of both the scrotum and penis.

Also, make sure you do not perform any physically demanding or strenuous activity for the first two weeks after you are discharged from the hospital.

Making the most of the penile implant

You should completely refrain from using the implant (i.e., activate or deactivate it) in the first couple of weeks post surgery. What you can do at the most is to mildly try to drag down the pump inside the scrotum to allow it to settle down comfortably. Once the pump is positioned firmly, you’ll be able to access it easily for compressing it when healing is complete, and you’re ready to resume sexual activity.

The implant is usually activated after 4-5 weeks of the surgery, and the activation is generally conducted in the surgeon’s chamber for the first time. The physician or his assistant will demonstrate how to turn on and deactivate the device. You could also receive a sample or model pump for honing your squeezing skills.

You should practice inflating and deflating the prosthesis at home at least once daily to gain self-confidence. Regularly practice also contributes towards increasing the penis’s size during an erection. You can always consult your surgeon or doctor if you don’t feel confident about using the device.

Common side effects

Usual complications of the implant surgery include blood clot formation around the scrotal area, discomfort, and inflammation that could linger for 2-3 weeks. Chances of infection are less than 2%. Most side effects fade away on their own. Taking painkillers and antibiotics will help assuage the pain and minimize the risks of infection.

Better/improved patient satisfaction rate following surgery

You’ll be able to take full advantage of your penile implant for enjoying a fulfilling sex life if you follow the post-surgical instructions mentioned above. You can schedule an appointment with our surgeon if you want to more about penile prosthetic surgery and recovery.

———

FIFTH AVENUE UROLOGY
4 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021

212-541-6239

———

References