Penile Implant Surgery in India

Among several possible treatments for sexual disorders in men, Penile Implant Surgery in India is gaining popularity. A healthy sexual relationship goes a long way in ensuring sustained marital bliss. Research shows that a significant proportion of divorce cases are a result of unsatisfactory physical relationships. Apart from the conjugal woes, it can rob a man of his self-confidence, thus impacting other facets of his life, like his profession. Given the taboo associated with erectile dysfunction, most men suffering from such problems are reluctant to reveal their issues to the doctor.

What is Penile Implant Surgery in India?

It’s a surgical procedure where a device called a Penile Implant is placed inside the penis of a person suffering erectile dysfunction(ED). This is usually the last resort that doctors fall back on after other clinical treatments fail to produce the desired result. The basic process involves implanting a bendable, silicone rod within the erection channels of the penis. Some men prefer a hydraulic, inflatable prosthesis that enables them to have an erection whenever desired. Men who suffer from Peyronie's disease (i.e., curved penis or penile fibrosis) can require a Penile Implant Surgery. This condition can lead to internal scarring of the penis and make erections painful. Further, this disease may not be cured through medications or a penis pump (vacuum constriction device).

Types of Penile Implants

There are primarily two types of devices available for Penile Implant Surgery in India- Inflatable/ Hydraulic prosthesis, and Malleable/Bendable prosthesis.

Inflatable Prosthesis

The most commonly used penile implant is the inflatable prosthesis. They allow the patient to have erections whenever he chooses to. There are two variants of Inflatables Penile Implants.

1. A three-piece inflatable penile implant comprises the following pieces:

• Two inflatable cylinders inside the penis.
• A pump along with a release valve is inserted in the scrotum.
• A fluid reservoir is implanted under the abdominal wall.

You are required to push the fluid, i.e., saltwater, from a reservoir into cylinders to get an erection. When you no longer need the erection, you can release the valve, and the fluid will go back to the reservoir. In the two-piece inflatable penile device, the reservoir holding the salt water and the pump are combined into one piece and inserted into the scrotum. The reservoir is filled with saltwater on the day of surgery and remains in the penile device in both devices. The look and feel of an erection using a hydraulic prosthesis resemble a natural firmness. It also feels comfortable when the penis is docile.

Semirigid rods/ Malleable Implants

The Flexible/bendable prosthesis is always in a partially rigid condition. With some minor directional changes, it can be positioned for sexual intercourse. It has two flexible rods attached with a spring on all ends that is implanted inside the penis. They can be bent downward when not used for cohabiting and straightened when needed. They can, at times, be a little obvious to the naked eye and also make you feel less comfortable. However, the success rate of Penile Implant Surgery in India using the malleable variant is very high.

Advantages and disadvantages of each variant

Three-piece inflatable device:  

• Pros:

 

• • Gives a sturdy, natural erection.
  • Becomes completely flaccid when deflated.

   

• Cons:

 

• • The maximum number of components is used in this device. Hence, the chances of malfunction are also high.
  • Unlike bendable implants, this needs a reservoir in the scrotum.

Two-piece inflatable device:    

• Pros:

 

• • Partial flaccidity can be achieved when deflated.

   

• Cons:

 

• • Technically more complex than the semirigid variant.
  • Doesn’t provide the same firmness as the three-piece device.

  Bendable/ Semirigid implants    

• Pros

 

• • • High probability of success due to lesser number of components and operative mechanism.
    • Ease of use.

 

• Cons
  • The penis is partially rigid all the time; thus, concealing the erection can be cumbersome.
  • There's constant pressure inside the penis that can cause injury in the future.

The General Surgical Procedure

In order to allow urination while the procedure is going on, a catheter may be placed inside the bladder. The surgeon will then stretch the elastic tissues inside the two empty chambers called corpora cavernosal. He will then proceed to implant the penile device of an appropriate size commensurate to your body measurements. Once the implant is properly placed, the doctor will stitch the incisions to seal them together. Penile Implant Surgery in India usually takes 3 quarters of an hour to two hours.

Post-surgery recovery

To subside the initial pain, an injection can be given in the scrotum in the first 48-72 hours. Mild pain can persist for a week or more. Even some doctors prescribe antibiotics to avoid any post-trauma infection. Generally, patients are able to regain physical exercise and sexual activities after 4 to 6 from the surgery.

Probable risks

 

• Infection: Post-trauma infection is a common occurrence after any surgical procedure. An injury to the spinal cord or diabetes increases the risk of infection.
• Implant problems: Most modern devices are trustworthy. However, in certain cases, the device or a specific part can malfunction. In such situations, you can either keep the broken part inside or get it rectified through another surgery.
• Excessive bleeding: This mandates immediate follow-up surgery.

Life after the implant

Though Penile Implant Surgery in India is the last option that doctors resort to, it usually has a very high success rate. More often than not, couples enjoy their physical relationships after the surgery.