Diabetes and Penile Prosthesis | Types, Surgery and Risks

This page gives detailed information about the insertion of Penile prostheses for people with diabetes. Erectile dysfunction can be expressed as the inability to achieve sufficient rigidity to initiate or maintain sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction problem, which is caused by various health problems, may occur due to hormonal, circulatory, or nervous dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction, one of the complications that occur during diabetes, is a condition that occurs in almost half of these patients.

Penile implants, known as Penile Prostheses, are a surgical treatment application with very high success rates in erectile dysfunction patients who cannot be controlled with other treatment methods. Thanks to the different prosthesis possibilities with malleable or inflatable types, the most suitable implant selection can be made for individuals.

What are the Penile Prosthesis Types for Diabetics?

Different types of prostheses can be used in cases of erectile dysfunction unresponsive to other treatment methods. These penile prosthesis types, which are divided into inflatable or malleable, are surgically placed. An inflatable Penile Prosthesis consists of three parts, a double cylinder, an inflatable pump, and a fluid reservoir. In this type of prosthesis, activated by squeezing the pump placed on the testicles, the liquid in the chamber in the abdomen reaches the cylinders in the penis with a unique tube system, thus enabling the erection state to be reached. Malleable Penile Prostheses are flexible prostheses with malleable features. Malleable Penile Implants, which do not change in size after the operation, provide a permanent state of hardness in the individual. Thanks to the very flexible structure of the prosthesis, individuals can position their penis according to the current situation.

In determining the type of Penile Prosthesis to be used in diabetic patients, it is also recommended to consider studies indicating a high risk of infection. Penile Implants, which have undergone extensive technological changes since the 60s and ’70s, are a technological development that strengthens the hand of physicians against the possibility of infection that may occur during and after the operation, thanks to their hydrophilic outer surface feature and antibiotic absorbability. The hydrophilic coating on the penile prosthesis surface increases the lubricity of the device. The increased lubricity facilitates the placement of cylinders and other parts. Secondly, the hydrophilic coating prevents bacteria from adhering to the surface of the prosthesis, reproducing, and colonization on the prosthesis. The hydrophilic coating can also absorb antibiotics, thus ensuring precautions against infection in the postoperative period.

How is Penile Prosthesis Surgery Performed for Diabetics?

Penile Implant surgery involves placing a cylindrical prosthesis in place of the cavernous structure, which has a hollow structure and swelling with blood flow, to achieve an erection in the penis under normal conditions. The Malleable Penile Prosthesis replaces this structure in the penis and ensures that the penis remains erect. In Inflatable Penile Prosthesis, the surgical process is a little more complicated. While the part that functions as a pump is placed into the testis, the fluid reservoir is placed in an anatomical cavity in the lower abdomen region. After the inflatable cylinders are placed inside the penis, the incisions are closed with sutures (surgical incisions), and the operation is completed.

What Should Be Considered While Attaching Penile Prosthesis to Diabetics?

It is essential to choose the suitable prosthesis according to the individual characteristics of the person, as it is for everyone while wearing a Penile Prosthesis for people with diabetes. There is an increased risk of postoperative infection in this patient group. Therefore, hydrophilic-coated malleable or inflatable three-piece Penile Implants both prevent the adhesion of bacteria with their surface properties and allow longer protection time with their ability to absorb antibiotics. For more information about Penile Prosthesis surgery in treating erectile dysfunction in diabetics, you can contact us via the “Contact us form” on our website rigicon.com.