Our Summary

This research paper is a review of studies about patient satisfaction after penile prosthesis surgery, a procedure performed to treat erectile dysfunction. The authors analyzed 48 articles published between 2000 and 2016. They found that most studies used non-validated questionnaires to gauge patient satisfaction, which means the methods used may not be reliable or accurate. The review also found that factors like the type of device used in the surgery, the patient’s overall health, and the partner’s profile can affect a patient’s satisfaction after the procedure. The authors conclude that there’s a need for a properly validated tool to assess patient satisfaction specifically for penile prosthesis surgery to improve clinical practice.

FAQs

  1. What is penile prosthesis surgery and why is it performed?
  2. What factors were found to affect patient satisfaction after penile prosthesis surgery?
  3. What are the concerns regarding the methods used to gauge patient satisfaction in the studies reviewed?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about penile implant surgery is to thoroughly discuss the potential risks, benefits, and outcomes of the procedure with their healthcare provider. It’s important for patients to have realistic expectations and to understand that individual experiences may vary. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for a successful recovery and optimal results.

Suitable For

Penile implant surgery is typically recommended for patients who have not had success with other treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as medication or vacuum devices. Candidates for penile implant surgery may include:

  1. Men with severe erectile dysfunction: Penile implants are often recommended for men who have severe erectile dysfunction that does not respond to other treatments. This may be due to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or prostate cancer.

  2. Men with anatomical issues: Some men may have anatomical issues that make other treatments for erectile dysfunction less effective. Penile implants can provide a more reliable solution for these individuals.

  3. Men with psychological factors: In some cases, erectile dysfunction may be caused or exacerbated by psychological factors such as anxiety or depression. Penile implants can help to alleviate these psychological barriers to sexual function.

  4. Men with Peyronie’s disease: Peyronie’s disease is a condition characterized by the development of scar tissue in the penis, which can cause curvature or pain during erections. Penile implants can help to straighten the penis and improve sexual function for men with this condition.

  5. Men who have had prostate surgery: Prostate surgery, particularly radical prostatectomy, can often result in erectile dysfunction due to damage to the nerves and blood vessels that control erections. Penile implants can provide a solution for men who have not regained erectile function after prostate surgery.

Overall, the decision to undergo penile implant surgery should be made in consultation with a urologist or other healthcare provider who specializes in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is important to consider factors such as the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the patient’s overall health and lifestyle.

Timeline

Before penile implant surgery:

  1. Patient consults with a urologist to discuss treatment options for erectile dysfunction.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and medical history review to determine if they are a candidate for penile implant surgery.
  3. Patient may be prescribed medications or undergo other treatments for erectile dysfunction before proceeding with surgery.

After penile implant surgery:

  1. Patient will experience some pain and discomfort in the immediate post-operative period.
  2. Patient will be instructed on how to care for the surgical site and manage any potential complications.
  3. Patient will need to refrain from sexual activity for a period of time to allow for proper healing.
  4. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and address any concerns.
  5. Patient may undergo physical therapy or counseling to address any psychological or emotional issues related to the surgery.
  6. Patient will gradually resume sexual activity and assess the effectiveness of the penile implant in treating their erectile dysfunction.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with penile implant surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  3. Will I still be able to achieve natural erections after the surgery?
  4. What type of penile implant device will be used in the surgery and how does it work?
  5. How will the surgery impact my sexual function and sensation?
  6. What are the success rates of penile implant surgery and what factors can affect the outcome?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or follow a specific post-operative care routine?
  8. How soon after the surgery can I resume sexual activity?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies I should consider before opting for penile implant surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with information about the surgeon’s experience and success rate with penile implant surgeries?

Reference

Authors: Akakpo W, Pineda MA, Burnett AL. Journal: Sex Med Rev. 2017 Apr;5(2):244-251. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.01.001. Epub 2017 Jan 28. PMID: 28143706