If you and your urological surgeon have determined that an inflatable penile prosthesis is the right solution for your erectile dysfunction, learning about the insertion process should be the next step in your due diligence. It not only helps ease your concerns about the procedure, it also enables you to take the necessary measures to ensure a successful outcome.
The brief guide below is aimed at giving you a basic idea of what happens before, during, and after the surgical insertion of an inflatable penile prosthesis.
Preparing for the Procedure
Penile prosthesis surgery is often carried out in a hospital or in an ambulatory surgery center. You need to be at the location 2-3 hours before the procedure.
To get you ready, your care team will administer either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. They will give you IV antibiotics to prevent infection. Your care team will wash the surgical site with an antibiotic solution and shave it.
The Implantation Process
Below is the breakdown of the implantation process for an inflatable penile prosthesis:
1. Incision Placement
Your surgeon will make a small incision in one of three locations:
- Infrapubic (above your penis, near your lower abdomen)
- Penoscrotal (along the scrotal sac, just below your penis)
- Subcoronal (near the head of your penis – this is less common)
The choice of incision site depends on your surgeon’s preferred technique.
2. Creating Space for the Cylinders
Once the incision is made, your urological surgeon will then carefully expand the space within your penis to accommodate the inflatable cylinders. This is done with specialized surgical instruments to ensure the internal structures remain intact.
3. Placing the Cylinders
The deflated cylinders are inserted into the corpus cavernosum, the two erectile chambers of your penis. The fit is tailored to your anatomy to ensure a natural look and function once inflated.
4. Positioning the Pump and Reservoir
The pump is inserted into your scrotum and positioned, so you can easily access it for activation. The fluid reservoir is placed behind your abdominal wall or near your bladder, depending on the surgical approach. The components are connected via small tubing to allow fluid to move freely between them.
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Closing the Incision
Once all components are properly positioned, your urological surgeon will close the incision using dissolvable sutures or surgical glue. Next, they will wrap your penis in a firm dressing to minimize the bruising and swelling. A catheter may be temporarily inserted to drain urine while swelling subsides.
Recovery and Postoperative Care
The procedure can take up to two hours. You may go home the same day or after a short observation period.
To ensure your comfort and safety as you recover, your care team will provide you with postoperative instructions. Your adherence to them can affect the outcome of your surgery and the longevity of your penile implant, so it is imperative that you follow them closely.
Here are some of the essential postoperative guidelines you will likely receive from your care team:
- During your initial recovery, expect to have mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Use ice packs to help relieve the swelling. Your care team may prescribe medications, such as antibiotics and pain relievers. Take them as directed.
- Rest as much as you can to help your body heal faster. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities, which can put pressure on your incisions. Wait until a week following your procedure to resume light activities.
- Avoid masturbation and sexual activity for at least four weeks after your surgery.
- To prevent infection, clean and dry the area thoroughly and regularly. Wash your hands every time you use the restroom and before changing your bandages.
- Wait at least 48 hours after the surgery before taking a shower.
- Attend all follow-up appointments with your urological surgeon to stay on top of your healing progress and ensure the device is functioning properly. Once you have fully healed, your urological surgeon will guide you on how to activate and operate your penile implant.
Penile Prosthesis Expert in Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr., our board-certified, fellowship-trained urological surgeon here at Ironwood Urology, has a proven track record of delivering exceptional outcomes for penile prosthesis surgery – you could not be in more capable hands.
To book a visit with Dr. Avila, call our office at (480) 961-2323. You may also fill out our secure online appointment request form.
