Penile Prostheses: Types, Surgery, and Costs

Penile Prostheses: Types, Surgery and Prices

Penile prostheses are medical devices developed for men experiencing sexual dysfunction. These products, which aim to improve the quality of life especially for men suffering from erectile problems, are currently recognized as an effective and reliable treatment method. The use of penile prostheses can positively affect sexual life, thereby increasing the happiness and quality of life of couples. In this article, we will discuss what penile prostheses are, types of urological penile prostheses, and how to prepare for the surgical procedure.

What is a Penile Prosthesis?

A penile prosthesis is a medical device implanted inside the penis of men experiencing erectile dysfunction. These devices aim to achieve penile rigidity and erection during sexual intercourse. Penile prostheses are generally recommended for patients who do not respond to other treatment methods (medication therapy, vacuum devices, injections, etc.) or for whom these methods cannot be used. Penile prosthesis surgery is performed by experienced urologists, and a significant portion of patients can achieve satisfactory results following the procedure.

What Are the Types of Urological Penile Prostheses?

Urological penile prostheses are generally divided into two main categories: semi-rigid (malleable) prostheses and inflatable prostheses.

Semi-rigid (malleable) prostheses: These types of prostheses have a continuously rigid structure and provide the necessary rigidity during sexual intercourse. Because they are easier to use and maintain, they may be a suitable option especially for elderly patients and individuals with reduced manual dexterity. However, due to their continuously rigid structure, they may be less aesthetically satisfying.

Inflatable prostheses: These work with fluid-filled cylinders and a pumping mechanism. Before sexual intercourse, fluid is transferred to the cylinders through a pump placed on the penis, causing the penis to become rigid. After intercourse, the pump is used again to withdraw the fluid and the penis returns to its normal state. These prostheses can also be classified as two-piece and three-piece inflatable types; they are considered more aesthetically satisfying because they provide a more natural appearance and sensation. However, they are more complex to use and maintain, and their cost is higher.

The patient and doctor together evaluate and select the most appropriate prosthesis type based on the patient's lifestyle, expectations, and health condition.

How to Prepare for Urological Penile Prosthesis Surgery?

When preparing for penile prosthesis surgery, the patient's health condition and surgical suitability are first evaluated. In this process, important information such as previous surgeries, medications used, and allergies is collected. Additionally, tests such as blood tests and heart and lung function tests may be performed to assess the patient's overall health condition.

Before surgery, patients should stop smoking and alcohol use, discontinue blood-thinning medications on the doctor's advice, and take other precautions recommended by the physician. On the day of surgery, the patient must arrive on an empty stomach and be properly prepared and clean. After surgery, patients are expected to abstain from sexual intercourse for the period recommended by the doctor and to undergo necessary care and regular follow-up examinations.

How Is Urological Penile Prosthesis Surgery Performed?

Urological penile prosthesis surgery is an operation performed to improve the quality of life and sexual performance of men experiencing sexual dysfunction. This surgery is considered especially for patients who do not respond to other treatment methods such as medication therapy, vacuum devices, and injections, and who have difficulty achieving erection.

Penile prosthesis surgery is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1-2 hours. The surgical process generally works as follows:

• The patient's overall health condition is evaluated and necessary tests are performed before surgery. It is important to inform the patient about their expectations and the possible outcomes of the surgery.
• Penile prostheses can be of different types: semi-rigid (malleable), two-piece inflatable, and three-piece inflatable. The patient and doctor select the most appropriate prosthesis type based on the patient's lifestyle, expectations, and health condition.
• During surgery, an appropriately sized prosthesis is placed in the spongy tissue (corpora cavernosa) inside the penis. During this procedure, the prosthesis is placed on both sides of the penis and is adjusted to mimic the penis's natural rigidity mechanism.
• Following the surgery, the surgical wounds in the penile area are closed and necessary dressings are applied. The patient typically needs to remain hospitalized for about one day.

What Can Be Experienced After Urological Penile Prosthesis Surgery?

Following penile prosthesis surgery, patients may experience the following:

• Swelling, redness, and pain may occur in the penile area. These symptoms usually subside within a few days. Patients are advised to abstain from sexual intercourse for 4-6 weeks following surgery.
• Complications such as infection, bleeding, prosthesis mechanism malfunction, and scarring may occur. These conditions can be controlled with treatment methods recommended by the doctor.
• After surgery, patients' sexual lives are generally positively affected and erection can be achieved with prosthesis use. However, proper use and maintenance of the prosthesis is of great importance.

Who Are Penile Prostheses Not Suitable For?

Penile prostheses may not be suitable for every patient. The following conditions are among those in which penile prosthesis surgery is not considered appropriate:

• Active infections
• Bleeding disorders
• Serious health problems
• Psychological problems

In the presence of such conditions, the doctor evaluates the patient in detail and decides on the suitability of surgery.

Does Urological Penile Prosthesis Implantation Carry Risk?

Like any surgical procedure, penile prosthesis implantation carries certain risks. However, these risks are relatively low with proper evaluation and in the hands of an experienced surgeon.

The potential risks of penile prosthesis implantation are:

• Infection
• Bleeding and bruising
• Prosthesis mechanical problems
• Pain
• Changes in penis size

What Are the Advantages of Urological Penile Prostheses?

Urological penile prostheses can offer an effective treatment method for men experiencing erectile dysfunction. The main advantages of penile prostheses are:

• Penile prostheses may have high success rates compared to other treatment methods. With proper evaluation and in the hands of an experienced surgeon, success rates with penile prostheses are reported in the literature to be in the 90-95% range.
• They can allow the patient to control erection duration and rigidity. In this way, patients can maintain their sexual lives more comfortably.
• New generation penile prostheses aim to provide a natural appearance and sensation. This can have a positive contribution to patients' confidence.
• They provide a permanent solution for erectile dysfunction; continuous use of medications or other treatment methods is not necessary.

Are Urological Penile Prostheses Noticeable From the Outside?

Urological penile prostheses are generally not noticeable from the outside with proper surgical procedure and appropriate prosthesis selection. New generation penile prostheses are designed to provide a natural appearance and sensation. Because the prostheses are placed inside the penis, they are difficult to detect from the outside.

However, in some cases, especially when the prosthesis pump is placed in the scrotum (testicular pouch), it may be felt during manual examination. This situation should not cause discomfort in patients' sexual lives; because the use and appearance of prostheses have natural functioning. In this process, it is important for partners to approach the subject with understanding.

Penile Prosthesis Treatment Process in Turkey and Medical Tourism

Turkey has become an important center in medical tourism with its investments in the healthcare sector, state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities, and experienced medical staff. The reasons why patients and their relatives prefer Turkey include:

• Hospitals are spacious, clean, comfortable, and fully equipped technologically,
• Doctors are specialists in their fields, experienced, and competent,
• Nurses and care staff are friendly and compassionate,
• Questions receive quick and accurate answers,
• All personnel involved, including the mediating institution assisting the patient, are patient and understanding,
• Turkey also offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties,
• Transportation is easily accessible,
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food and beverage, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Penile Prosthesis Treatment Prices in Turkey

Penile prosthesis treatment prices vary depending on many factors such as prosthesis type (semi-rigid or inflatable), the patient's health condition, the diagnostic process, the treatment process, and the length of stay in Turkey. For this reason, instead of providing fixed price information, a personalized evaluation must be made for each patient.

Patients and patient relatives who wish to obtain more detailed price information can contact us. Additionally, patients wishing to come to Turkey for treatment can be assisted with an invitation letter to be sent to the consulate and in the visa application process.

Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Before making a decision regarding penile prosthesis surgery, it is strongly recommended to consult a urologist and undergo a personalized examination and evaluation. The treatment process, results, and possible risks may differ from patient to patient.