How to Remove a Penile Implant

Penile implants are used when a man cannot obtain or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. It is a long tube (or more than one) that is surgically placed along the shaft of the penis and a pump which may be placed either internally or externally. The tube(s) are filled with air, normal saline or silicone. The pump may be operated either manually through a device usually sutured to the scrotum or by a remote-control device. Penile implants may have to be removed due to infection (usually of the surgical site), leakage of the substance used to inflate the tube or disintegration of the materials of which the tubes are made. Any attempt to remove a penile implant should be done by a licensed physician in a hospital or one-day surgery center.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Have an evaluation done by your urologist or a general surgeon to determine if the penile implant needs to be removed.

2. Enter the hospital or same-day surgery center according to the directions given to you by your provider. You will probably not be allowed to eat for at least 12 hours prior to the procedure. You will probably have your blood drawn and an IV started before the procedure is to take place. You will be taken to the surgical suite and put to sleep by the anesthesiologist. Your vital signs will be monitored closely by the surgical team.

3. Removal of the penile implant will be through an incision along the shaft of the penis. The tube(s) will be removed along with any scar tissue or infection that may be present at the site. If there is an external pump sutured to the scrotum this will also be removed at this time. The incision site will be sutured shut and a drain tube will most likely be inserted to keep any drainage from the incision from backing up and allowing infection to form. A sterile dressing will be applied and you will be returned to the recovery room where the recovery team will continue to monitor your vitals while you are waking up from the anesthesia. You will probably not be allowed to leave the hospital or same-day surgery center until you are able to urinate on your own, or you may have had a urinary catheter placed during surgery to assist you in urinating while the swelling is present from the surgery.

4. Change the dressings to the surgical site according to your physician's directions. If you notice unusual bleeding or discharge, contact your physician immediately. Follow up with your physician after surgery according to his directions.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow your physician's directions as closely as possible to prevent complications.
• If you have had a urinary catheter placed after surgery, do not attempt to remove it yourself as it could damage the surgical site.

References

• Penile Implants

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