Our Summary

This research studied the complications associated with a surgical procedure that implants a penile prosthesis (artificial penis) in transgender men – individuals who are transitioning from female to male. The study looked at the medical records of 80 patients who had this surgery between April 2017 and February 2020.

The study found that there was a 36% chance of complications requiring additional surgery and a 20% chance of infection. Of these patients, 14% had an infection that required the removal of the prosthesis. The type of prosthesis used (inflatable vs semi-rigid) did not seem to significantly affect the risk of infection.

The researchers found that having other genital surgeries at the same time or in the past did not increase the risk of complications or infection. The chance of infection seemed to decrease over time, suggesting that surgeons were getting better at the procedure as they gained more experience. The study also found that 21% of the prostheses were lost within 9 months of the surgery.

In conclusion, the study suggests that the risk of complications or infections from this surgery is not increased by having other surgical procedures at the same time or in the past, and that surgical experience can help reduce complications. However, the study didn’t include any information from the patients themselves about their experiences or outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What is the risk of complications or infections from penile implant surgery for transgender men?
  2. Does the type of prosthesis used (inflatable vs semi-rigid) affect the risk of infection in penile implant surgery?
  3. Does having other genital surgeries at the same time or in the past increase the risk of complications or infections from penile implant surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about penile implant surgery is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescribed antibiotics as directed, and avoiding strenuous activities that could disrupt the healing process. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor for any signs of infection or complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for penile implant surgery include those who have erectile dysfunction that does not respond to other treatments such as medications or vacuum devices. This can be due to various medical conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, or nerve damage. Patients who have undergone prostate cancer treatment and have erectile dysfunction as a result may also be candidates for penile implant surgery. Additionally, patients with Peyronie’s disease, a condition characterized by the development of scar tissue in the penis that causes curvature or pain during erections, may benefit from penile implant surgery. Overall, individuals who have tried other treatments for erectile dysfunction without success and are in good overall health may be considered for penile implant surgery.

Timeline

Before penile implant surgery:

  • Patient consults with a urologist or surgeon to discuss treatment options for erectile dysfunction
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative testing, including blood work and imaging studies
  • Patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or to make lifestyle changes in preparation for surgery

After penile implant surgery:

  • Patient is typically hospitalized for a short period of time following the surgery
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the surgical area
  • Patient will be instructed on how to care for the surgical site and how to use the penile prosthesis
  • Patient will have follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after penile implant surgery involves thorough pre-operative evaluation and preparation, followed by post-operative care and monitoring to ensure optimal outcomes and minimize the risk of complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with penile implant surgery?
  2. How experienced is the surgeon in performing penile implant surgery?
  3. What type of penile prosthesis will be used in the surgery (inflatable vs semi-rigid) and how does each type differ in terms of risks and benefits?
  4. What is the success rate of penile implant surgery in terms of restoring erectile function?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care required after penile implant surgery?
  6. What are the chances of infection after the surgery and what steps will be taken to prevent infection?
  7. How long do penile implants typically last and what are the factors that may affect the longevity of the prosthesis?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions that need to be taken after the surgery to ensure the success of the penile implant?
  9. What are the alternatives to penile implant surgery for treating erectile dysfunction and how do they compare in terms of effectiveness and risks?
  10. Can I speak with other patients who have undergone penile implant surgery to hear about their experiences and outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Briles BL, Middleton RY, Celtik KE, Crane CN, Safir M, Santucci RA. Journal: J Sex Med. 2022 Apr;19(4):641-649. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.01.518. Epub 2022 Mar 1. PMID: 35241370