Penile prosthesis is an artificial device which is implanted in men for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is a condition where a man is unable to maintain sufficient erection for sexual intercourse.

Penile implants have two main types: semi-rigid (malleable or non-hydraulic) and inflatable (hydraulic) implants.

• A semi-rigid penile implant consists of two rods made of silicone rubber which are surgically inserted in the penis. It provides rigidity and flexibility to the penis
• An inflatable penile prosthesis can be a two-piece or three-piece device and consists of the following:
  • A pair of cylinders which are inserted inside the penis
  • A pump which is placed under the loose skin of the scrotal sac next to the testicle
  • A three-piece device has an additional balloon reservoir which is placed underneath the abdominal wall

When the pump is pressed, the fluid from the reservoir is transferred to the cylinders, inflating it so that the penis becomes stiff. The cylinders can be inflated at the time of erection and deflated after the intercourse.

Potential complications of inserting penile implants include but are not exclusive to bleeding, infection, scar tissue formation, and erosion of tissue around the implant and mechanical failure.

Penile Prosthesis

• American Medical Systems (AMS)
• Coloplast