Erectile dysfunction is a serious health problem that affects most men, particularly after a certain age. Depending on various factors, such as the person's age, other health conditions, and previous surgeries, it can range from mild to severe.

Treatment options for the condition include oral medications, penile injections, vacuum devices, and ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy). However, for patients who do not respond to these treatments, a prosthesis operation may be recommended.

Penile prostheses come in three types. The first type is a single-piece, non-bendable implant, which, apart from being cost-effective, has no additional benefits. The penis remains constantly erect, which can lead to cosmetic and visual concerns for the patient.

The other two types are inflatable implants, which come in two or three pieces. Two prosthetic cylinders are inserted into the corpora cavernosa, the tissue of the penis.

What is Penile Prosthesis Surgery in Izmir? A penile implant is a device inserted into the penis to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve an erection. The procedure takes about one hour, where the penile tissue is replaced with two semi-rigid or inflatable cylinders.

During surgery, a catheter is placed in the patient's bladder to collect urine. The surgeon then inserts the prosthetic cylinders into the penis through an incision made in the lower abdomen or beneath the head of the penis. The procedure is complete when a single-piece prosthesis is implanted.

If the surgeon is implanting a two-piece prosthesis, a pump and valve are placed in the scrotum. In the case of a three-piece prosthesis, a reservoir is also placed in the abdominal wall. The entire surgery lasts approximately one hour.

How is Penile Prosthesis Surgery Performed in Izmir? Penile prosthesis surgery involves inserting a device into the penis to aid those with erectile dysfunction. The surgery takes about one hour, replacing the penile tissue with two semi-rigid or inflatable cylinders.

A catheter is inserted into the patient's bladder during the operation to collect urine. The prostheses are activated with a pump placed under the scrotal skin and can be deactivated using the same pump.

A reservoir containing normal saline is placed inside the body, and when the pump is activated, the saline fills the prostheses, causing the penis to become erect. When deactivated, the saline returns to the reservoir, allowing the penis to return to a flaccid state.

The surgery usually takes between one and two hours, depending on the type of prosthesis. Spinal (lower back) anesthesia is typically sufficient.

The incision is made between the penis and the scrotum, and due to the area’s anatomy, the stitches are not noticeable. Patients typically stay in the hospital for one night and can be discharged the following day.

The biggest risk of penile prostheses is infection. If an infection occurs, appropriate antibiotic treatment can be administered, but the prosthesis may need to be removed. Mechanical failure is rare, and most prosthesis manufacturers provide guarantees against such failures.

Can Normal Sexual Intercourse Be Had with a Penile Prosthesis? For men with erectile dysfunction, a penile prosthesis, also known as an inflatable penile implant, can help develop regular sexual intercourse (ED). The prosthesis mimics natural, realistic erections.

Most men can engage in regular sexual activity with a penile prosthesis with proper use and care. It is essential to understand the expectations and potential outcomes of the procedure, as recovery times and success rates may vary. Sexual satisfaction should also be discussed with the healthcare provider.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Penile Prosthesis Surgery? Penile prosthesis surgery is the last resort for treating erectile dysfunction and is recommended for patients who do not respond to other treatments. During the surgery, two cylindrical structures, called the cavernous bodies, are inserted into the penis to enable an erection. These structures can be either a one-piece design, providing continuous rigidity, or a two-piece design, offering controllable rigidity. In one-piece prostheses, continuous rigidity can increase discomfort.

Men with erectile dysfunction should consult a urologist to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. The condition can be due to psychological factors, hormonal imbalances, aging, diabetes, previous surgeries such as prostate or colon cancer, or certain medications.

The hospital stay is typically one night, and patients can return to work in 7 to 10 days if no heavy physical exertion is required. Generally, sexual activity can resume after 30 days. The most significant complication of prosthesis surgery is infection, which may require removal of the prosthesis.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Does SGK Cover Penile Prosthesis Surgery? SGK covers penile prosthesis surgeries if other erectile dysfunction treatments fail. Countries like the USA, France, and the UK cover the cost of penile implants, and now it is also included in SGK coverage in Turkey, helping resolve a common health issue among men.

• Who Should Not Get a Penile Prosthesis? The single-piece, bendable "happiness rod" is a type of penile implant that does not take into account the patient's anatomical features as much. It is not recommended for individuals with recurrent urinary tract infections, as this increases the risk of infection at the surgical site.

• Will a Penile Prosthesis Be Visible? After a prosthesis surgery, the device is nearly impossible to detect. The surgery is performed with a small incision, and there are no visible cosmetic differences. In particular, the three-piece inflatable prostheses provide a completely natural look. The pump located within the scrotum is completely hidden and cannot be seen from the outside. No scar marks are visible.

• Can a Penile Prosthesis Break? If erectile dysfunction cannot be treated through other methods, penile prosthesis surgery is the last option. The prosthesis consists of two cylinders made of silicone, inserted into the penis through an incision. The prosthesis is nearly impossible to detect externally.

References:

• Mayo Clinic. (2025). Penile Implants
• Gümüş, B. H., & Albaz, A. C. (2017). Long-term clinical outcomes of penile prosthesis implantation in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Andrology Bulletin, 19(4), 117-122.