Why is this procedure done?
Penile prosthesis insertion is a device put inside your penis to create an erection when needed. The doctor and patient decide which penile implant is best. Your doctor may suggest a penile prosthesis only if other methods have not worked or are not good choices for you. ‚
There are two types of penile prosthesis: ‚
- Inflatable implant ¢ ˆ ’ You use the pump to fill the inflatable tubes to get the erection.
- Rod implant ¢ ˆ ’ Bendable rods are placed inside your penis. The penis is firm and bendable. You will adjust or lift your penis before having sex.
What will the results be?
An implant lets you have an erection so that you can have sex. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are completely asleep.
- You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- For inflatable implants, your doctor will make a cut at the top of your scrotum.
- In two-piece implant, your doctor will put the cylinder into your penis and the pump into your scrotum.
- In three-piece implant, your doctor will put the cylinder into your penis and the pump into your scrotum. Then, your doctor will put fluid into a collection area in your belly.
- For a rod implant, your doctor will make a cut just behind the head or near the base of your penis.
- Your doctor will make two openings in your penis. The doctor will put a long tube into each opening.
- Your doctor will put one implant into each tube.
- Your doctor will close the cuts with stitches.
- The procedure takes 30 minutes to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital overnight. You will get drugs to help you with your pain.
- Your doctor or nurse will remove the tube in your bladder.
- Your doctor will give you antibiotics and pain drugs.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask any questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages.
- When you may take a bath or shower.
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds.
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work, driving, or sex.
- You may use soap and water to wash your wound. Make sure not to soak the wound. Do not swim or soak in a bath or hot tub until your doctor says you may. Gently towel-dry the wound afterwards.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes while you heal.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part to lessen pain and swelling. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Avoid tiring activities or sports for 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure.
- Do not start very physical activity for about 6 weeks after the surgery. Ask your doctor about when you can return to working out.
- You will need to wait for a while to have sex after your surgery. Ask your doctor when you can have sex.
- Avoid smoking and drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Your doctor will talk about ways of hiding the semirigid device in clothing.
- Your doctor will talk with you and your partner on how to pump up and deflate your inflatable penis.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Device fails
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of wound infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the cut site; cut site opens up.
- Problems passing urine
- Very bad pain or bleeding at the cut site
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=11 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚