Penile Implant Surgery (Penile Prosthesis)

Who Is It Suitable For?

Penile prosthesis surgery is generally preferred for the following patient groups:

• Patients with severe erectile dysfunction
• Individuals who do not benefit from medications, ESWT, or stem cell therapies
• Patients with severe erectile dysfunction related to diabetes or vascular disease
• Cases of long-standing and progressive erectile dysfunction

Types of Prostheses

The type of prosthesis chosen depends on the patient's expectations, lifestyle, and anatomical characteristics.

• Inflatable Prostheses — the most modern and commonly preferred system; provides the most natural appearance and function; controlled through a pump mechanism; not noticeable from the outside
• Malleable (Semi-Rigid) Prostheses — remains in a constantly semi-rigid position; simpler to use; no risk of mechanical malfunction; however, it may be more noticeable externally

How Does an Inflatable Prosthesis Work?

• Two cylinders are placed inside the corpora cavernosa, the chambers of the penis that normally fill with blood during an erection
• A small pump is placed in the scrotum, between the testicles
• A fluid reservoir is placed inside the abdomen
• Nothing is visible from the outside: every component is inside the body
• Pressing the pump moves fluid from the reservoir into the cylinders, and the penis becomes erect, just as if the heart were sending blood there
• Pressing the release button sends the fluid back, and the penis softens

What Changes, and What Doesn't

Before surgery, the penis became erect in response to desire and arousal. With a prosthesis, it becomes erect when you press the pump, so there is a short period of getting used to the new system. Once you have, the erection lasts as long as you want, whether that is half an hour or two hours, until you deflate it. Sensation, orgasm and ejaculation stay the same, because the nerves of the penis are not touched.

Implant Brands We Use

We use inflatable penile implants from the two most established manufacturers worldwide: the AMS range by Boston Scientific and Coloplast. The right model is chosen according to your anatomy and expectations.

Where Is the Surgery Performed?

Surgery takes place at Acıbadem Kartal Hospital or Kartal Kızılay Hospital in Istanbul. Both are fully equipped hospitals, and we help you choose the one that best suits your plans.

How Is the Surgery Performed?

• Performed under general or spinal anesthesia
• The procedure typically lasts 30–60 minutes
• The prosthesis is inserted through a small incision
• If required, a reservoir and pump system are also placed
• Patients are usually discharged the following day

Postoperative Process

• Patients can usually return to daily activities within a few days
• Full recovery generally takes 6–8 weeks
• Heavy physical activities should be avoided during this period
• Sexual activity is allowed after medical evaluation and approval by the physician

Advantages

• Provides a permanent and reliable solution
• Patient and partner satisfaction above 90% in international studies
• Erection control is fully managed by the patient
• Eliminates dependence on other treatments

Safety and Important Considerations

• When performed with proper technique, it is a safe surgical procedure
• The blood vessels and nerves responsible for erection are preserved
• Infection risk can be minimized with appropriate surgical technique and postoperative care

Conclusion

Penile prosthesis surgery is an effective treatment that significantly improves quality of life in patients with advanced erectile dysfunction. In modern andrology, this method is considered one of the most effective solutions, typically planned as a final step when other treatments are insufficient.