Monthly Archives: October 2019

Do Penile Implant Surgeons Require Special Training?

Do Penile Implant Surgeons Require Special Training? Over the last two decades technological advancements have completely revolutionized urological practices. Moving from an invasive open surgery model to minimal invasion and cuts, Urological practices have come a long way. However, since urologists are working on very sensitive parts of the body, it raises the question, “Is technology overshadowing the raw skill of urologists?”  In other words, do male implant surgeons require special training to stay up-to-date with this current age of technology?

Becoming a Urologist

To answer your question, yes, implant surgeons do require specialized training to help them deal with the complicated nature of their job. Being a urologist is an incredibly hard job, not only because they have to deal with incredibly sensitive parts of the body, but also because they have to learn crucial information from a variety of medical professions.

Urologists also have an extremely rigorous training procedure and education throughout the years they spend in the med school.

Education Requirements

Urologists alone, have to go through about four years of med school. After that, they have to go through another four or five years of training at a hospital. This training prepares them for surgeries that they have to perform throughout their professional lives. For many urologists, this is where their education stops. However, some go the extra mile with fellowships that help them sharpen their surgical skills.

These fellowships also help them specialize in a very specific area of their craft, like female urology or urological oncology. It is very common for urologists to go that extra mile, as it gives them more insight of their area of expertise, and helps them become better surgeons. After going through almost ten years of studies, they have to pass the specialty certification exam for urologists.

Now, this is only the educational side of their careers. In addition to theoretical studies, they have to spend quite a few years in training. They have to receive extensive training in surgical procedures.

Sensitivity of the work

The human genitals are incredibly sensitive parts of the body, and one mistake can result in major irreversible damages. So, it is imperative for the surgeons and urologists alike to be well-versed and capable of doing surgeries like vasectomies or penile implants. And in clinics and hospitals, where urologists don’t have the skills to perform more advanced surgery, the institution will take help from outsourced resources.

Med schools understand the importance of urology and hence prepare their physicians for every challenge they may encounter. Med schools test the limits of their students through rigorous testing and simulations, all of which have very low margin for error.

Conclusion

Implant surgeons are possibly the most important individuals in urology. They have to be great at breaking the ice and socializing because of the nature of the issues they deal with. People are not very open about urological issues, especially when it comes to penile implants. It is the implant surgeon who has to make them feel comfortable before suggesting a surgery.

With very low margin for error, you wouldn’t want to take a risk with a surgeon who does not have the experience or skill to deal with your situation. So, be sure to visit our website in order to find out more about our implant surgeons and various other treatments.

FIFTH AVENUE UROLOGY
4 East 76th Street
New York, NY 10021
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212-541-6239

Different types of Penile Implant: Semi-rigid

What are the Semi-rigid penile implants? Penile 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.

Manufacturers of Semi-rigid implant

The most common types of semi-rigid implants are both created by American Medical Systems, Inc. (AMS) and Coloplast and are very similar in construction and functionality. However, the Coloplast model called Genesis is offered in 9, 11, and 13 cm diameters and can be trimmed to meet the patient’s specific measurements. Antibiotic devices help reduce infection rates dramatically in patients who have penile implant surgery. All AMS models are coated with antibiotic to help reduce infection.

Advantages of semi-rigid penile implants

As 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 especially 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. Finally, 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.

Disadvantages of semi-rigid implants

However, due to its constant rigid state, this implant can promote the highest rate of penile tissue erosion as compared to inflatable implants. The inability to return to a natural flaccid state can also cause some pain to the patient. 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.

Semi-rigid implant satisfaction rates

Despite all of these issues, satisfaction rates continue to remain high (91%) for patients who have undergone semi-rigid penile implant surgery. The semi-rigid 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 212-541-6239 and schedule your free appointment. To find out more about penile implants, visit our website at fifthavenueurology.com.

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References:

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.

Mayo Clinic. Penile Implants. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/penile-implants/about/pac-20384916