Our Summary

This study looked at what factors might influence the length of a penile implant in men who were getting one for the first time. They used data from 3951 men who had this surgery at 16 different surgical centers between July 2016 and July 2021.

They found that the average length of the implant was 20 cm. Some factors were associated with a shorter implant length, including older age, Asian ethnicity, a history of a certain type of prostate surgery (radical prostatectomy), and a specific surgical approach (infrapubic). On the other hand, being of Black or African American ethnicity was associated with longer implant lengths.

Other factors like body mass index (BMI), history of certain types of injections into the penis, diabetes, tobacco use, radiation therapy, Peyronie’s disease, priapism, or a specific technique for expanding the penis (cavernosal dilation technique) didn’t seem to make a significant difference.

The researchers believe that understanding these factors can help doctors discuss the procedure with patients before surgery and set realistic expectations for after surgery.

FAQs

  1. What factors were found to influence the length of a penile implant?
  2. Did factors like diabetes, tobacco use, and radiation therapy impact the length of the penile implant?
  3. How can understanding these factors help doctors discuss the procedure with patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing penile implant surgery to discuss their expectations and concerns openly and honestly before the procedure. It’s important to have a realistic understanding of the potential outcomes and to ask any questions they may have about the surgery and recovery process. Additionally, following the post-operative care instructions provided by the healthcare team is crucial for successful healing and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for penile implant surgery typically include those who have erectile dysfunction that has not responded to other treatments such as medications, injections, or vacuum devices. Candidates for penile implant surgery may also include those who have experienced severe penile trauma or have a medical condition that affects blood flow to the penis, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Ultimately, the decision to undergo penile implant surgery is a personal one that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Timeline

Before penile implant surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a urologist to discuss erectile dysfunction and treatment options, including penile implants.
  2. Patient undergoes medical evaluation to determine if they are a candidate for penile implant surgery.
  3. Patient discusses the risks and benefits of the procedure with their healthcare provider.
  4. Patient receives pre-operative instructions and prepares for surgery.

After penile implant surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to implant the device.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a short period of time for recovery.
  3. Patient receives post-operative instructions for care and management of the implant.
  4. Patient may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the days following surgery.
  5. Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for follow-up appointments and to monitor the function of the implant.
  6. Patient may need to undergo physical therapy or counseling to adjust to the changes in sexual function.
  7. Patient resumes sexual activity with the assistance of the penile implant.
  8. Patient experiences improved erectile function and satisfaction with the results of the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the average length of the penile implant that I can expect?

  2. Are there any factors that might influence the length of the penile implant I receive?

  3. How does age, ethnicity, and past medical history factor into determining the length of the penile implant?

  4. Will my BMI, history of injections into the penis, diabetes, tobacco use, radiation therapy, Peyronie’s disease, priapism, or other medical conditions affect the length of the penile implant?

  5. What surgical approach will be used for my penile implant surgery and how might this impact the length of the implant?

  6. Can you provide me with more information on the specific surgical technique that will be used to expand the penis during the procedure?

  7. What are the potential risks and complications associated with penile implant surgery, including issues related to implant length?

  8. What are the expected outcomes and recovery process following penile implant surgery in terms of length and overall satisfaction?

  9. How can I best prepare for penile implant surgery to ensure the best possible outcome in terms of implant length and overall success?

  10. Are there any additional resources or support services available to help me better understand and navigate the process of penile implant surgery?

Reference

Authors: Miller JA, Hammad M, Amini E, Andrianne R, Burnett AL, Gross K, Gross MS, Hatzichristodoulou G, Hotaling J, Hsieh TC, Jenkins LC, Jones JM, Lentz A, Levy J, Modgil V, Osmonov D, Park SH, Pearce I, Perito P, Sadeghi-Nejad H, Sempels M, Simhan J, Suarez-Sarmiento A Jr, van Renterghem K, Warner JN, Yafi FA, Ziegelmann M, Barham DW. Journal: Urology. 2024 Nov;193:240-244. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2024.06.068. Epub 2024 Jul 5. PMID: 38972393