Penile Implant
What Are Penile Implants?
Penile implants are medical devices surgically placed inside the penis to enable erections. They are typically recommended for men with:
- Severe ED that doesn’t respond to other treatments.
- Peyronie’s disease (curved penis due to scar tissue).
- ED following prostate cancer surgery or pelvic trauma.
Penile implants are a surgical solution for men with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) who do not respond to other treatments like medications, injections, or vacuum erection devices. These implants have been a game-changer for restoring sexual function and improving quality of life.
Inflatable implants are the most common type and consist of three components:
- Cylinders: Placed inside the penis.
- Pump: Placed in the scrotum.
- Reservoir: Placed in the abdomen, filled with sterile fluid.
Advantages:
- Provides a natural-looking erection.
- Allows control over the timing and duration of the erection.
- The penis remains flaccid when not in use.
Semi-Rigid (Malleable) Penile Implants
Semi-rigid implants consist of bendable rods placed inside the penis. These rods can be manually adjusted to create an erection or returned to a flaccid position.The patient manually bends the penis upward for an erection and downward when flaccid.
Advantages:
- Simpler design with fewer mechanical parts.
- Lower risk of mechanical failure compared to inflatable implants.
- Easier to implant surgically.
Disadvantages:
- The penis is always semi-rigid, which may be less natural-looking.
- Less concealable than inflatable implants.
Types Of Semi rigid Penile Implants
Shah Penile Implant:
The Shah penile implant, known as the Indian malleable penile implant is a semi-rigid silicone penile implant for the permanent treatment of erectile dysfunction. The Indian malleable implant has gained immense popularity owing to excellent clinical outcomes. It is very much cost-effective at the same time. The Shah penile implant is always used in pairs to provide excellent axial rigidity and is placed in the corpora cavernosa.
Advantages:
- Low cost makes it accessible to a wider range of patients, particularly in developing countries.
- The malleable hinge and soft tip have less potential for erosion.
- The option to remove sleeves to change the diameter of the PP is helpful in achieving a snug fit.
Cost: Rs. 75,000-80,000*
TUBE Penile Implant:
TUBE consists of two silicone hemi prosthesis, each one presents a silver wire core which provides both malleability and rigidity to the implant. TUBE is presented in several sizes, and the final length of the implant can also be adapted, during surgery, by means of its trimmable extreme as well as by extender rear tips
Cost: Rs. 1,25,000-1,50,000*
RIGI10 Penile Implant:
Rigi10 is malleable penile prosthesis offers comfortable solution for the patients. Rigi10 with having Flexible Rod Technology (FRT) provides high flexibility more than 135 degrees and ease of use. For the Physicians. Tailor Made: Sizing to each patient's corporal length. Features of the Rigi10 implant
- Made of 4-layer silicone and Teflon with a stainless-steel core
- Comes in six different diameters
- Has a hydrophilic coating that absorbs antibiotics to prevent infection
- Has a Flexible Rod Technology that allows for bending up to 135 degrees
- Has Secure Fit extenders that can be attached to increase length
Cost: Rs. 1,50,000-1,75,000*
AMS Tactra Penile Implant
The AMS Tactra is a malleable penile implant It's made by Boston Scientific.
- The Tactra is made of two silicone layers over a nickel titanium core.
- It's designed to feel natural and provide rigidity and durability.
- To get an erection, you lift the device into a straight position.
Procedure
- A urologist makes a small incision above the pubic bone or in the scrotum to insert the device.
- The surgery usually takes about an hour and is typically done on an outpatient basis.
Risks
- Complications can occur, including infection, pain, and mechanical failure.
- The implant will damage or destroy any remaining natural ability to have a spontaneous erection.
Recovery
- Most physicians will instruct patients to limit activity for the first few days and refrain from lifting or exertion for the next month.
- Full healing will take 4–6 weeks.
