Penile Implant Treatment in India

Types of Penile Implant Treatment

There are three main types of penile implant. These are:

• Inflatable Penile Implant (IPP)
• Malleable Penile Implant
• Non-inflatable Penile Implant

Inflatable Penile Implant (IPP)

This is the most commonly utilized type of all the penile implants. An IPP involves surgically placing two cylinders within the penis, along with a pump and reservoir. Activation of the pump manually transfers fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders, creating an erection. Deflation is achieved by releasing a valve.

Malleable Penile Implant

This implant consists of a semi-rigid rod that can be manually bent into an erect position for sexual activity and bent back down when not in use. It has the disadvantage of being in a rigid state constantly. It cannot be bent down completely.

Non-inflatable Penile Implant

In this type of penile implant, there is insertion of two flexible rods into the penis. This allows the user to manually position the penis in an erect state or to manually bent it down. Unlike the malleable implant, it has some hinges or segments that offer some more flexibility for better performance and satisfaction.

Procedure of Penile Implant

The general procedure of the penile implant is described below:

Preoperative Assessment:  there is a preoperative assessment before the surgery that involves medical history and physical examination. After the assessment, some tests should be performed to determine the cause of erectile dysfunction. The surgeon will decide the type of surgery according to the results.

Anesthesia: The anesthesia is administered to limit the pain and discomfort during the procedure. The anesthesia either numbs the whole body or just numbs the area under surgical treatment. This is according to the suitability of the individual and the procedure.

Incision: Under the effect of anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision in the lower abdomen, above the penis, or in the scrotum. It usually depends on the type of implant being used. The length of incision can vary according to the skill of the surgeon.

Placement of Implant: The surgeon will create a space inside the penis to accommodate the implant. For inflatable penile implants, two cylinders, along with a pump and reservoir, will be inserted. In malleable or non-inflatable implants, it involves the positioning of rods or segments inside the penis.

Closure: After placing the implant, the surgeon will close the incisions by using sutures or staples. Dressings or bandages may be applied to speed up the healing.

Postoperative Care: The healthcare team will provide instructions on postoperative care, including pain management, wound care, and any activity restrictions. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.

Cost of Penile Implant Treatment in India

The cost of penile implant in India ranges from 5000 to 7000 USD. The cost may vary if there will be complications during or after the procedure for each individual. The cost can also vary in different cities of India and according to the hospitals’ facilities.

Cost of different procedure for erectile dysfunction treatment:

Symptoms and Risk Factors of Penile Implant Treatment

Some of the names of the conditions or diseases which requires penile implants are as follows:

• Chronic erectile dysfunction unresponsive to conservative treatments.
• Organic causes of erectile dysfunction.
• Peyronie's disease.
• Severe erectile dysfunction.
• Medical contraindications.
• Psychological factors.
• Desire for spontaneity.
• Prior prostate cancer treatment
• Anatomical abnormalities
• Medication intolerance
• Prior failed surgical interventions
• Individual preference

Risk Factors of Penile Implant

Some risk factors associated with penile implant are:

Infection

There is a risk of infection at the surgical site or within the implant. Strict sterile techniques and the use of antibiotics help minimize this risk. In rare cases, the infected implants need to be removed by additional surgery.

Bleeding

As with any major surgery, there is a risk of bleeding with a penile implant also. When blood loss happens extensively, the blood transfusion may be required to manage the complication.

Pain or Discomfort

There is a risk of severe pain and discomfort after the surgery. It should be managed with proper medications and care.

Mechanical Failure

Although rare, there is a small chance of mechanical failure of the implant components over time. This may require revision surgery or implant replacement.

Changes in Sensation

Some individuals may experience changes in penile sensation after the implantation, such as decreased sensitivity or numbness. While rare, these changes can impact sexual pleasure.

Device Extrusion or Erosion

In rare cases, the implant may extrude through the skin or erode into surrounding tissues. Corrective surgery may be necessary to remove or reposition the implant.

Scarring or Aesthetic Concerns

Surgical incisions may result in scarring or cosmetic changes. However, these are generally minimal. The incision should be done with skill to avoid the scar formation otherwise it can lead to painful erection during sexual intercourse.

Psychological Impact

Some individuals may face psychological challenges after the surgery, such as adjusting to changes in the body image or sexual function. Counseling or support groups can provide help in managing these emotional complications.