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Penile Implant/Penile Prosthesis Surgery

The penile implant has been a mainstay of treatment for erectile dysfunction for over 30 years.There have been over 300,000 penile implants inserted worldwide allowing surgeons to offer this form of therapy with the confidence of knowing that penile implants are a safe, reliable and effective way of treating even the most severe cases of erectile dysfunction (ED). Penile implants have a greater than 95% patient and partner satisfaction rating.

What is a Penile Prosthesis / Penile Implant?

The penile implant is a synthetic prosthetic device that is inserted directly into the corpora cavernosa to provide a man an erection that is adequately rigid for penetrating intercourse. All of the components of a penile prosthesis are placed under the skin and not visible to unsuspecting people. Each penile prosthesis is custom fit to the patient at the time of surgery. There are two manufacturers of FDA approved penile prosthetics in the United States. Both manufacturers provide a variety of penile implants for treating ED. The technology involved in manufacturing a penile prosthesis is patented and has been refined over the last 30 years to provide a reliable and durable prosthetic device.

What types of Penile Implant is right for me?

There are three general different designs when it comes to penile implants. Penile implants are made in a malleable form, two-piece, and three-piece inflatable prosthesis. Based on manual dexterity, medical co-morbidities, and previous surgeries, your physician will help select the penile prosthesis that is right for you.


The malleable prosthesis is ideal for patients with problems with manual dexterity or significant previous abdominal surgery.


The 2-piece prosthesis is ideal for patients with significant previous abdominal surgery but who desire a more natural feeling erection than a malleable prosthesis can offer.

The 3-piece prosthesis is the most naturally functioning penile prosthesis and ideal for patients who desire a natural feeling erection. The 3-piece penile prosthesis is completely flaccid when deflated and more rigid when erect than a 2-piece prosthesis.

What about the Minimally Invasive Penile Prosthesis procedure?

El Camino Medical Group physicians are experienced in performing both the traditional penoscrotal and the minimally invasive infrapubic approach. The preference is to always perform the minimally invasive infrapubic approach because of the small (3 cm) incision, minimal dissection required, decreased healing time and convalescence associated with the minimally invasive infrapubic approach. The surgery is done under general or regional anesthesia and takes under 30 minutes for the entire procedure. Patients are able to cycle the pump mechanism and resume normal activities faster than with the penoscrotal approach.

Does a Penile Implant look and feel like a natural erection?

The patient satisfaction rate in published studies of penile implant surgery is over 95% and this is largely attributed to the natural look and feel of penile implants. Many patients are surprised to find out that there are no external devices and that everything is concealed under the skin for discretion. Oftentimes, patients will request to see photos of previous penile implant procedures. We have included pre-operative photos, intra-operative photos and final cosmetic results of the flaccid and inflated penile prosthesis in the following section.


Flaccid Penile Prosthesis

Inflated Penile Prosthesis

Pre-Operative Photo

Immediately Post-Op Photo

Six Week Post-Op Flaccid Photo

Six Week Post-Op Erect Photo

Six Week Post-Op Flaccid Photo

Six Week Post-Op Erect Photo

Pre-Operative Photo

Immediately Post-Operative Photo

4 Weeks Post-Op Flaccid Photo

4 Weeks Post-Op Erect Photo

How difficult is it to inflate or deflate an inflatable penile prosthesis?

Patients are sometimes nervous about inserting an implant into their bodies that requires manual manipulation in order to function. Below are two informative videos demonstrating how easy these devices are to use.

What is the cost of penile implant surgery?

Patients are always surprised to learn that most major insurance carriers and Medicare will cover the entire cost of penile implant surgery. For those patients with Medicare insurance and a supplemental plan, there are usually no out of pocket costs for the operation. The actual device cost of a penile implant is around $8,000. There are also additional costs for the hospital, anesthesia and professional services. El Camino Urology Medical Group can arrange a fixed cost package for patients who require a cash rate for the operation. The cash price for the entire procedure is approximately $19,000. This price compares very favorably to other centers that offer the penile implant procedure.

What is the next step?

Patients are encouraged to contact El Camino Urology Medical Group at (650)-962-4662 to schedule an appointment to discuss the treatment options available for men interested in the penile implant procedure. You can arrange an informal short phone consult at that time if you wish to discuss if penile implant surgery is right for you.

What are the post-operative instructions after penile prosthesis surgery?

  • What to expect after the procedure –
    Click Here
  • If you would like a copy of the instructions in Spanish –
    Click Here
  • If you would like a copy of the instructions in Russian –
    Click Here

For more info, please visit our other website at
www.healthy-male.com

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