Description

Penile implant surgery is conducted on persons who have exhausted all other areas of treatment.

1. Semi-rigid devices consist of two rods that are easier and less expensive to implant than the inflatable cylinders. Once implanted, the semi-rigid device needs no follow-up adjustments; however, it produces a penis that constantly remains semi-erect. 

2. Inflatable cylinders produce a more natural effect. Men using them are able to simulate an erection via a pump located in the scrotum. 

With a surgical patient under general anesthesia, the device is inserted into the erectile tissue of the penis through an incision in the fibrous wall. In order to insert the pump for the inflatable implant, incisions are made in the abdomen and the perineum (area between the anus and the genitals). A fluid reservoir is placed into the groin, and the pump is placed in the scrotum. The cylinders, reservoir, and pump are connected by tubes and tested before the incisions are closed. 

Diagnosis/Preparation

Surgery always requires a patient who is adequately informed about the procedure's risks and benefits. The sexual partner should also be involved in the discussion. Prior to surgery, the region undergoes antibacterial cleansing and is shaved. 

Aftercare

To minimize swelling, ice packs are applied to the penis for the first 24 hours following surgery. The incision sites are cleansed daily to prevent infection. Pain relievers may be taken.

Risks

With any implant, there is a slightly greater risk of infection than with simple surgery. The implant may irritate the penis and cause continuous pain. The inflatable prosthesis may need follow-up surgery to repair leaks in the reservoir or to reconnect the tubing. 

Details 

A penile implant is a device that is placed into a man’s body and is designed to help him get an erection. Following the routine outpatient procedure, a four to eight week recovery period is necessary before the implant is used.

There are two basic types of penile implants available (more details at www.mentorcorp.com)

The Acu-Form^® flexible rod implant

The Titan™ and Alpha I^® inflatable implants


Both enable men with erectile dysfunction to have a satisfactory erection for sexual intercourse and to experience the joys of sex again.

You should be able to have an orgasm with a penile implant if you were able to have one before your surgery, unless you have another medical problem that affects it. The physicians at your hospital of choice can answer your questions on this.

The primary difference between the two implant types is that flexible rod implants (the Acu-Form) produce a permanently firm penis, while the inflatable implants (the Titan and Alpha I) produce a controlled, more natural erection. 

The Mentor Titan™ and Alpha I^® inflatable penile implants are self-contained, fluid-filled systems made from Bioflex^® and silicone. Bioflex is a supple, yet durable, biopolymer material. The Titan is an Alpha I with a hydrophilic coating.

Titan and Alpha I penile implants consist of:

·         Two penile cylinders.

·         A pump.

·         A reservoir.

Each part is connected by silicone tubing. Both the Titan and Alpha I are MRI compatible and latex free.

The Titan and Alpha I inflatable penile implants offer a dependable method of restoring sexual function.
 

• They are the result of advanced engineering and medical research designed with the needs of its user in mind.
   

• They bring a new dimension to the reliability and control of the inflatable implant.
   

• They offer new hope to many men with Erectile Dysfunction.
   

• They provide an option when other treatments are inappropriate or have failed.

Patient satisfaction rates

Patient satisfaction rates of 98% have been demonstrated for the Alpha I* penile implants in published journal articles.

Mechanical reliability rates

Recent studies show the Mentor Alpha I* to have mechanical reliability rates of 97.5% at 5 years on first-time implants.

Concealable

When implanted, the Mentor Titan and Alpha I penile implants are not visibly noticeable. The penis appears relaxed and normal in the flaccid state, and it is not obvious by looking at a man that he has an implant.

Lifetime replacement policy (click to read more)

Mentor provides a lifetime replacement policy with all of its penile implants. Mentor will replace the inflatable implant, or any component, for any reason during the lifetime of the patient.

* The Titan implant is an Alpha I implant with a hydrophilic coating.

Patient Testimonials - Mentor Penile Implants

Douglas Stephen

"As far as I’m concerned, getting a penile implant saved my life. The improvement in my self-esteem has meant everything. My wife is also pleased because of the way having it makes me feel. And because of that, she feels like she’s gotten her husband back." 

Jorge Del Valle

"With the penile implant, I’m ready any time and it feels like a natural part of my body. I’m very satisfied with the erection I can achieve, and I feel like I’m back in control of my life."

"I would definitely recommend to other men that they consider getting a penile implant. It’s just as if you had a bad heart and needed a pacemaker. You wouldn’t hesitate to get one in order to keep living." 

To Initiate and Maintain an Erection

To transfer the fluid to the cylinders, locate the pump in the scrotum. Squeeze the pump firmly a few times between the thumb and fingers until an erection is achieved. 

To Return to a Flaccid State

To return the fluid balance to the reservoir, follow the tip of the pump as it narrows until the protruding bars are felt. Position thumb and finger on the release bars above the pump.

Place thumb on one bar and a finger on the opposite bar. Squeeze release bars with firm and steady pressure. Continuous pressure is necessary.

To achieve a flaccid state more quickly, squeeze the penis gently with the other hand while squeezing the release bars.

If any problems are encountered during the use of this device, or any pain or discomfort is experienced, please contact your doctor immediately. 

Risks & Complications

Penile implants may require surgical removal for various reasons and should not be considered a lifetime implant. Complications that may require device removal include:

• Infection.
• Erosion (the wearing away of the tissue next to the implant).
• Migration (the unwanted movement of the device within the body).
• Chronic pain.
• Device malfunction.

Implantation of a penile implant may destroy any remaining erectile capability and may result in anatomical changes that can make some of the alternative therapies for impotence ineffective.

For complete details of the urological surgery or procedure in which you have an interest, here's where you can get your personal price quote.