Penile Prosthesis

The use of penile prosthesis was popular until the mid 80's when more effective and less invasive treatment option became available. The advent of ICP and oral medications has made this option the last resort.

The best penile prosthesis comprises of two inflatable tubes, a pump and a reservoir. The tubes are inserted into the corpus cavernosa, irreversibly destroying their structures in the process. The pump is placed in the scrotum; and the reservoir in the abdomen. When the pump is activated, fluid flows from the reservoir into the tubes, which harden and become erect. Pressing a valve on the pump mechanism deactivates it, and the fluid returns to the reservoir, the penis becomes flaccid.

Penile implant surgery is a fairly invasive and expensive procedure. It takes about 2-4 hours on the operating table and about 4-8 weeks to recover.

The following complications are possible:

• The usual complications of a major surgery, including those from general anesthesia, bleeding, infection
• Pain and discomfort
• The prosthesis may be rejected
• Mechanical failure (5%)
• Extrusion of part of the prosthesis through a weakened wall of the erectile chambers (tunica albugaenia)