Indications for inflatable 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.

Inflatable implants are slightly more complicated to use than the semi-rigid implants. However, what they lack in simplicity they more than makeup for in functionality. As the name suggests, inflatable implants provide the patient with an erection when they are inflated.

How does the 2-piece Inflatable Penile Implant work?

The two-piece is composed of two cylinders that are surgically placed in the penis. These cylinders are then attached to a tube that is connected to the combined reservoir and pump unit. The reservoir contains saline which is delivered to the cylinders by the pump. This reservoir-pump combo is placed inside the scrotum; therefore there are no parts placed within the lower abdomen, and the surgery is less complicated as compared to the three-piece penile implant.

When the patient is ready for sexual activity, he presses the pump, which then delivers the saline from the reservoir into the cylinders resulting in inflation of the penis causing an erection. When the patient is finished, he presses the deflator valve located at the bottom of the pump, which then delivers the saline back into the reservoir causing the penis to deflate and return to its normal, flaccid state.

Manufacturers of 2-piece penile implants

The most common type of 2-piece prosthesis is created by American Medical Systems, Inc. (AMS). 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. Ambicor is the name of the penile implant model created by AMS and is an excellent option for men who only want their prosthesis to be placed in the penis and scrotum. A study was done in 1999-2004 which showed that 85% of patients were satisfied with the Ambicor implant.

Advantages of using 2-piece inflatable penile implants

By far the most significant benefit of using the inflatable devices is the ability to return to a flaccid state after sexual activity. With the simple push of the deflator valve, the patient can deflate his penis, which produces a much more natural feel and look as compared to the semi-rigid implant which prevents a return to a flaccid state. Besides some small scarring located on the underside of the penis and the scrotum, the inflatable implants are discreet and undetectable to the naked eye. Patients report that there are no changes to the sensation and ability to ejaculate with the outfitting of the inflatable implant.

Disadvantages of using 2-piece inflatable penile implants

However, there are some disadvantages to using the inflatable implants. Since the two-piece implant reservoir is comparatively smaller, there may not be enough saline in the reservoir-pump combo unit to produce a full erection as compared to the three-piece repository. Complication rates also tend to be higher with the inflatable implants due in part to the multiple different units that could malfunction individually.

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 appointment. To find out more about penile implants, visit our website at fifthavenueurology.com.

References:
Penile prosthesis surgery in the management of erectile dysfunction
Sadeghi-Nejad H., Fam M.
(2013) Arab Journal of Urology, 11 (3) , pp. 245-253.

Penile Implants Facts vs. Fiction

Over the years, the stigma surrounding the facts about penile implants has changed significantly. Going from a taboo to a necessity in some cases, people have become a lot more understanding of implants and their uses. But with that said, there is still a lot of misconception surrounding implants, especially penile implants. So, if you want to get implants for your penis due to medical reasons but are not doing so because of the myths surrounding it, this is a list to clarify a few things. Here are a few myths surrounding penile implants, and how they grossly cloud the truth.

Myths About Penile Implants

Fiction: Penile Implants Are Too Invasive and Take Too Long

Fact: This is probably one of the biggest myths that you have heard in connection to penile implants. True, two or three decades ago, urology in general was an extremely invasive practice that would require a lot of incisions. These careful and methodical incisions would also take a lot of time to heal.

However, a lot has changed in the decades since these myths started to spread. Now, your urologist will only have to make a small incision near your penis and slowly insert the device. The process is quick and seamless, sometimes taking less than an hour to complete.

Fiction: Penile Implants Have a Very Long Recovery Time

Fact: Once the operation of a penile implant is complete, you will stay the night at a hospital under supervision. After that, implants will tend to have minor pain for the first week that you can easily get rid of through oral medication. Finally, the device can be up and running in almost four to six weeks after the operation. In other words, penile implants are actually one of the few urology procedures with an incredibly low recovery time.

Fiction: Penile Implants Are Just Novelty Procedures

Fact: Now, this myth could not be further from the truth. Penile implants are a last resort solution to erectile dysfunction. So, men who opt for penile implant in the first place are only doing so because no other form of medication or treatment worked for them.

Fiction: Penile Implants Are Very Unnatural and Stands Out

Fact: Penile implants are designed in a way that they remain concealed within the penis. So, when your penis is flaccid, you will not even recognize the implant within the body. But you may feel a slight bulge when you get an erection. Regardless, it is still very natural, and many studies have shown that partners are more than satisfied with penile implants.

Fiction: Penile Implants Are Not Reliable and Are the Least Desirable Treatment

Fact: While it is true that penile implants are a last resort when it comes to treatments, they are more than reliable. These Implants have excellent mechanical build quality with studies showing 97% reliability rate over five years. More importantly, studies also show that 94% of men with penile implants were more than satisfied with the result of their implants. So it is safe to say that this myth is just fiction at best.

Conclusion

Having a discussion about penile implants with your urologist or partner can be very difficult. But getting these implants not only ensures that you can have erections again, but it also relieves you of other medication and treatments.

If you are looking to get penile implants, be sure to visit our website where you can learn more about our urologists and any other services that we provide.