Penile Implant Surgery

Penile implant surgery is a procedure that helps address erectile dysfunction (ED) by providing the physical ability to have an erection. Penile implants come in different types, including inflatable and malleable options, each tailored to meet the patient’s needs and lifestyle. Undergoing this surgery can help achieve and maintain an erection, especially in patients who have not responded to non-surgical methods, such as medications, therapy, or vacuum devices.

Types of Penile Implants

There are two main types of penile implants, and the choice between them depends on individual needs and medical factors:

Inflatable Penile Implants: As the name implies, this requires the patient to pump the device to achieve and maintain an erection. These implants have three components: cylinders (inside the penis), reservoir (placed in the lower abdomen), and pump (located in the scrotum). To create an erection, the patient manually pumps the device into the scrotum. By doing so, the fluid from the reservoir goes into the cylinders. Once there is enough fluid, the penis becomes engorged, leading to an erection. After sexual activity, the patient deflates the implant by pressing a release valve. This process causes the fluid to return to the reservoir in the lower abdomen. As a result, the penis returns to its relaxed state.

Malleable (Semi-Rigid) Penile Implants: These implants consist of bendable rods that are surgically inserted into the shaft of the penis. These implants are always firm, but the patient can bend the penis into a more erect position for sexual intercourse and back down when it is not in use. Because of this design, malleable implants are simpler to use since they don’t require the manual pumping or deflating that inflatable implants do. This simplicity makes them a suitable option for patients who have limited dexterity or hand strength.

Suitable Candidates

During the consultation, the surgeon will assess several factors, such as the patient’s overall health, goals, and expectations, to determine suitability for penile implant surgery. In general, suitable candidates for the procedure are:

• Patients who have not had success with non-surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as oral medications, penile injections, vacuum devices, therapy, or lifestyle changes.
• Patients who have erectile dysfunction due to physical causes, such as Peyronie’s disease (formation of scar tissue inside the penis), diabetes, or prostate surgery.
• Patients who are in good overall health, with manageable conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
• Patients who understand the surgical process and have realistic expectations about the results.
• Patients who are willing to adhere to post-surgical instructions.

Due to the increased risk of complications, penile implant surgery is not suitable for patients with the following conditions:

• Significant heart or vascular disease
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Immune system disorders
• Active infections
• Blood clotting or bleeding disorders
• Previous pelvic surgeries, particularly related to the prostate or bladder (can increase the risk of scar tissue formation or difficulty placing the implant)

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after penile implant surgery generally takes about 4 to 6 weeks. During this period, the patient will need to follow specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. The recovery period varies from patient to patient and depends on the extent of the surgery and individual healing factors.

During the first few days, pain, swelling, and bruising around the surgical area are expected. To address these discomforts, the surgeon will prescribe pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. As part of infection control measures, patients will need to keep the incision site clean and dry. If necessary, the surgeon will also prescribe an antibiotic ointment to be applied to the wound area. Regular changing of bandages is also recommended, as advised by the surgeon. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any questions or concerns.

Patients are usually advised to engage in light activities, such as walking, within a few days. This will allow blood to flow efficiently, especially in the lower extremities, thus lowering the risk of blood clots. Sexual activity can typically be resumed about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery once the surgeon confirms that healing is complete.

It is important to keep in mind that penile implants may require occasional check-ups to ensure that the mechanical components are functioning correctly. Patients can expect the implant to last between 10 to 15 years, after which it may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear. Regular follow-ups with Dr Alistair Campbell at his Gold Coast clinic are recommended to monitor the condition of the implant over time.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, penile implants have associated risks and complications, such as:

• Anaesthesia risks
• Auto-inflation (for inflatable implants)
• Chronic pain
• Device breakage or malfunction
• Erosion or migration
• Implant malposition
• Infection
• Mechanical failure
• Reduced sensitivity
• Scar tissue formation

Dr Campbell’s Success Rate for Penile Implant Surgery

Dr Alistair Campbell is one of the highest-volume penile prosthesis implanters in Australia, having performed over one thousand implants. To increase the success rate of his penile implant surgeries, Dr Campbell conducts thorough pre-surgical evaluations. This includes assessing the patient’s overall health, identifying any underlying conditions, and managing potential risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, and any underlying medical condition that could increase the likelihood of complications.

Dr Campbell ensures that non-surgical treatments have been explored and that the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure. Only when these methods have proven ineffective or unsuitable does he recommend penile implant surgery. In addition, he assesses whether the patient is a suitable candidate based on their overall health, stability of any existing medical conditions, and their realistic expectations of the surgery’s outcome.

Dr Campbell follows meticulous surgical protocols to reduce trauma to the surrounding tissues during implant insertion. To lower the risk of infection, he uses sterile surgical techniques, administers antibiotics before and after the procedure, and educates patients on proper post-operative care. After surgery, he closely monitors the patient’s recovery to detect any early signs of complications. He provides detailed post-operative care instructions, including wound care, pain management, and when to return to his clinic in Gold Coast.

Pre-Surgical Preparations

Before undergoing penile implant surgery, a thorough evaluation is necessary to lower the risk of complications. During this process, the surgeon will review several factors, such as the patient’s overall health, goals, and expectations. This includes asking the patient about any underlying medical conditions, current medications, and previous surgeries. A physical examination will also be performed to determine the appropriate type and placement of the penile implants. The surgeon will also explain the benefits, risks, and limitations of the procedure.

During the consultation, patients are also given pre-surgical instructions, such as the following:

• Avoid certain medications or supplements that could increase bleeding, such as aspirin or blood thinners.
• Stop smoking, as it can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Do not drink alcohol, as it can affect the body’s clotting mechanism, increasing the risk of bruising.
• Maintain a healthy weight to minimise surgical risks.
• Prepare a recovery area at home with easy access to food, water, and other needs.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery because you may feel groggy or dizzy due to the effects of anaesthesia.

The Surgical Process

Penile implant surgery takes approximately 1 to 2 hours and is performed under general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia. The duration of the procedure depends on the type of implant and the complexity of the surgery. Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon creates a small incision at the base of the penis or in the lower abdomen, depending on the type of implant being used.

For inflatable implants, the surgeon inserts the cylinders into the shaft of the penis. The pump is placed in the scrotum, and the reservoir is placed in the lower abdomen. The process is different for malleable implants. These implants are bendable rods that are placed inside the penis, with no need for a pump or reservoir. Once the penile prosthesis is in place, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures and covers the area with bandages.

After surgery, the patient is monitored in a recovery room. Once stable, patients are provided with post-operative instructions and are discharged home. Patients are advised to have someone drive them home after the procedure.