A Guide To Surgical Procedures for Penile Implants

Your Guide to Penile Implant Surgery: Preparation, Procedure, and Recovery

Penile implant surgery is a significant medical procedure aimed at helping men regain normal erectile function when other treatments have failed. This section outlines what you can expect before, during, and after the surgery, providing a roadmap to help you prepare and recover effectively.

Preoperative Preparation

Preparing for penile implant surgery is an essential step to ensure a successful outcome. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Medical Evaluation: Your surgeon will conduct a thorough medical evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly some laboratory tests, to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the surgery.
  • Medications: Discuss all medications you are currently taking with your surgeon, as some may need to be paused or adjusted before the surgery.
  • Smoking and Alcohol: Patients are generally advised to stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption weeks before the surgery to enhance healing and reduce the risk of complications.
  • Fasting: You will likely be instructed to fast for a certain period before the surgery to prepare for anesthesia.

The Surgical Process

Penile implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about one to two hours. Here’s an overview of the procedure:

  • Incision: The surgeon will make a small incision either above the penis where it joins the abdomen, below at the base, or under the scrotum.
  • Implant Placement: Depending on the type of implant chosen (inflatable or malleable), the surgeon will insert and position the components within the penis and, in the case of inflatable models, connect them to the fluid reservoir and pump.
  • Closure: Once the implant is in place, the incisions are closed with stitches that typically dissolve over time.
  • Recovery in Hospital: Post-surgery, you will spend a short time in recovery where your medical team will monitor you for any immediate postoperative complications.

Postoperative Care

Recovery from penile implant surgery involves several steps to ensure the best outcome:

  • Hospital Stay: Most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days post-surgery.
  • Pain Management: Pain following surgery is normal, and your doctor will prescribe medication to manage any discomfort.
  • Activity Restrictions: Patients are usually advised to limit physical activity, particularly avoiding lifting or straining, to allow the surgical site to heal.
  • Wound Care: Instructions on how to care for the incision site will be provided, including how to keep it clean and dry.
  • Follow-Up Visits: Several follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor the healing process and to activate the implant for the first time if it’s inflatable.
  • Sexual Activity: Typically, you can resume sexual activity about 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery, once the surgical site has healed fully and upon the advice of your surgeon.

Long-Term Considerations

Once recovered, penile implants typically allow for a satisfactory sexual experience. Regular check-ups should be scheduled to ensure the implant remains functional and to address any potential issues early.