Our Summary

This research paper looks at how satisfied patients and their partners are after penile prosthesis (PP) surgery, a procedure often used to treat erectile dysfunction. It’s been found in past studies that over 90% of patients and their partners are satisfied after the surgery. To measure this satisfaction, various tools and questionnaires are used, though many of these methods have not been specifically validated for this type of surgery. This has led to the use of non-validated questionnaires which may not accurately measure satisfaction. The paper also highlights some tools that could be helpful prior to surgery. The researchers stress the need for a better, more specific questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction post-surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is penile prosthesis surgery and what is it typically used to treat?
  2. How is patient and partner satisfaction measured after penile prosthesis surgery?
  3. Why is there a need for a more specific questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction after penile prosthesis surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing penile implant surgery to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical site clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. They may also advise the patient to communicate openly with their healthcare provider about any concerns or questions they may have before or after the surgery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended penile implant surgery are those who have tried other treatments for erectile dysfunction without success, such as medications or vacuum devices. They may also have underlying medical conditions that make other treatments ineffective or unsafe. Patients who have had a radical prostatectomy or other surgeries that have damaged the nerves or blood vessels in the penis may also be candidates for penile implant surgery. Additionally, patients who have a psychological component to their erectile dysfunction, such as performance anxiety, may benefit from a penile implant.

Overall, penile implant surgery is recommended for patients who have not had success with other treatments for erectile dysfunction and who are motivated to improve their sexual function and quality of life.

Timeline

Before penile implant surgery:

  • Patient discusses erectile dysfunction with their healthcare provider
  • Patient undergoes medical evaluation to determine if penile implant surgery is a suitable treatment option
  • Patient and healthcare provider discuss risks, benefits, and expectations of the surgery
  • Patient may undergo counseling or education on the procedure
  • Patient may be required to make lifestyle changes or try other treatments before surgery

After penile implant surgery:

  • Patient undergoes recovery period, typically a few weeks
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the surgical area
  • Patient may need to follow post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding sexual activity for a period of time
  • Patient may have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Patient and partner may undergo counseling or education on how to use and maintain the penile implant
  • Patient and partner may experience improved sexual function and satisfaction post-surgery
  • Patient and partner may be required to adjust to the changes in sexual function and intimacy
  • Patient may experience increased confidence and quality of life after successful surgery

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient may consider asking their doctor about penile implant surgery include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with penile implant surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after surgery, and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I still be able to achieve natural erections after having a penile implant?
  4. How long does the penile implant typically last, and are there any maintenance requirements?
  5. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes or adjustments after having a penile implant?
  6. How will having a penile implant affect my sexual function and satisfaction?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for penile implant surgery?
  8. What is the success rate of penile implant surgery, and what factors can impact the outcome?
  9. How experienced are you in performing penile implant surgery, and what is your success rate with this procedure?
  10. Can you provide me with any resources or support groups for patients who have undergone penile implant surgery?

Reference

Authors: Manfredi C, Fortier É, Faix A, Martínez-Salamanca JI. Journal: J Sex Med. 2021 May;18(5):868-874. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.03.007. Epub 2021 Apr 24. PMID: 33903044