In 1972, doctors began doing penile implants to help patients with lost potency. Since then, implants have been used by surgeons to treat about 25,000 patients per year. During surgery,two synthetic cylinders are placed inside the corpora cavernosa of the penis. After 4-6 weeks, the couple can engage in sexual intercourse.
These devices are mechanical, inflatable, or hydraulic. Their
implementation permanently alters the corpora cavernosa, ending all
hope of the return of natural erections, so this treatment should be
considered a final step by the couple, not an early one. There is also
the risk of infection with surgical procedures, and eventual malfunction
or deterioration of the device may require other surgeries.
A skilled urologist, using general anesthesia, implants this device for a
total cost of $12,000 to $15,000. After 4-6 weeks of healing, the
patient may begin to use it. Mechanical failure or patient infections
are the two most common complications. Both can cause a need for
more surgery. Key factors are (1) the surgical procedure is not
reversible, and (2) the erection stems from saline solution, not the
bloodstream. |
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