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Penile Prosthesis Insertion

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Penile Prosthesis Insertion

Definition

Penile prosthesis insertion places a device into the penis to produce an erection-like state for sex.

Penile Implant.

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Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to make erection possible. It is done when other methods have not helped.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Harm to nearby structures
  • Tissue breakdown near the implant
  • The device does not work as it should

Things that may raise the risk of these problems are:

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, bleeding, or discharge from the incision
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Problems passing urine

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding foot or drink after midnight the night before
  • Planning for a ride to and from surgery

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding foot or drink after midnight the night before
  • Planning for a ride to and from surgery

Anesthesia

The doctor may give:

Description of the Procedure

There are two types of implants:

Inflatable

A 2 piece or 3 piece implant may be used. A cut will be made in the penis, lower belly, or scrotum. The cylinder will be placed into the penis.

With the 2-piece implant, a pump with fluid will be placed into the scrotum.

With the 3-piece implant, a pump will be placed into the scrotum. Then, a reservoir with the fluid that is used to inflate the penis will be placed into the belly.

The cut will be closed with stitches. A bandage will be placed over the area.

Non-Inflatable

A cut will be made behind the head or near the base of the penis. An opening will be made into each of the two long tubes of spongy tissue inside the penis. One rod will be placed into each tube. The cut will be closed with stitches. A bandage will be placed over the area.

How Long Will It Take?

  • Inflatable implant—1 to 2 hours
  • Non-inflatable implant—30 to 60 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and swelling are common in the first two weeks. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay

The average hospital stay is one to two days. If you have any problems, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

After the procedure, the staff may:

  • Give you pain medicine
  • Teach you how to use the implant

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to lower your risk of infection, such as:

  • Washing their hands
  • Wearing gloves or masks
  • Keeping your wounds covered

There are some steps you can take to lower your risk of infection, such as:

  • Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
  • Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
  • Not letting others touch your wounds

At Home

It will take 4 to 6 weeks for the area to fully heal. Sex will need to be avoided during this time. Physical activity will also be limited. You will need to delay your return to work.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Erectile dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/erectile-dysfunction.
  • Erectile dysfunction. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunction?article=11.
  • Penile prosthesis. University of Virginia School of Medicine website. Available at: https://med.virginia.edu/urology/for-patients-and-visitors/penile-urethral-reconstruction-at-uva/penile-prosthesis.
  • Surgical penile implants. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10054-surgical-penile-implants.

Contributors

  • Mark S. Itzkowitz, MD, JD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.