Complicated ACDF and Laminectomy Surgery in India: James Mwangi’s Success Story
James Mwangi, 63 years old, a resident of Kenya, had been struggling with severe knee…
Erectile dysfunction affects one in two men who are over 50 years of age. ED involves having trouble in getting an erection or maintains penal firmness during sexual intercourse.
What causes Erectile Dysfunction?
It could be caused due to psychological factors or underlying diseases such as diabetes, prostate surgery, heart diseases, smoking & alcohol, etc.
What are the symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction?
When should one seek a medical assistance?
When ED starts affecting the person’s sexual relationship and mental well-being.
What are the ED-related treatment options available?
What is a penile implant?
Surgery is needed when conservative treatment didnt work. Penile implant is mainly of two types: (a) bendable or semi-rigid and (b) inflatable. Bendable penile implants are best suitable for patients with spinal cord injury or limited hand strength. A pair of bendable rods is surgically positioned inside the erectile chambers of the penis. This makes the penis remain in a semi-rigid position and doesn’t require the initiation of erection before sexual intercourse. However, inflatable or hydraulic penile implants are preferred by most men. The device comes in two and three pieces.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of penile implants?
Implant type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Three-piece inflatable / hydraulic | Most natural and satisfactory erection achieved
Penis becomes flaccid when deflated
|
Surgery duration is longer Can cause malfunction to other parts as compared to other implants Needs an extra space of reservoir in the abdomen |
Two-piece inflatable | Surgery is of shorter duration
Penis becomes flaccid after sex Deflation process is easy |
Firmness of erection is less due to less water in reservoir |
Semi-rigid rod | Surgery is simpler, easy to implant
Less chance of malfunction due to absence of pump and reservoir. Easy to use |
Penis always stays in rigid position Can cause injury due to constant pressure of penile arteries and muscles Difficult to hide under clothing |
What happens during the penile implant surgery?
The three-piece penile implant has two cylindrical rods, one reservoir and one pump. The surgery can be carried out during spinal or general anesthesia based on patient’s age and medical condition. Surgeon makes three incisions first at the base of patient’s penis for two reasons: (1) to reach out to the two hollow muscular chambers, known as ‘erectile chambers’, and (2) for placing the customized cylindrical rods which is connected to the reservoir through tubes. Second and third incisions are made for positioning the pump and the reservoir inside the scrotal sac and lower abdomen respectively. Hydraulic pump is also attached with a separate reservoir. Surgery takes about an hour to complete. Surgeon then locks the incisions with the stitches. In case of two-pieces device, the reservoir fits inside the scrotum along with the pump.
How are inflatable / hydraulic penile implants used?
During sexual intercourse, patient must press the pump which releases saline water from the reservoir into the cylinders, resulting in an inflation that leads to erection. Once sex is over, patient has to press the deflating valve, which transfers saline water back to the reservoir. Thereafter, the penis returns to its normal flaccid position due to the deflation of cylinders.
What happens after erectile dysfunction treatment?
The patient will have to remain under observation in the hospital for one day after the surgery, during which they will be given antibiotics and painkillers. The penis of the patient is tied on their abdomen, pointing towards their umbilicus or bellybutton, to prevent downward curvature during the healing stage.
What are the common complications associated with penile implant surgery?
How is the sexual experience with having the penal implant inside of the body?
Once erection is achieved, it would feel normal as before. Implants don’t interfere with the sexual feelings, level of satisfaction, ability to have an orgasm, ejaculation and timings of ejaculation. The only difference is that the implants don’t make the penile head hard as before.
Do I need a training to understand the proper functioning of a penile implant?
Yes, after surgery you would need to stay for a week in India to learn how to inflate and deflate the penile implant.
Do penile implants cause a decrease in the length of the penis?
Your penile implant will be customized according to the size of the penis. Implants neither increases nor decreases the size of the penis.
Does penile prosthesis result in natural erections?
Penile prosthesis gives control over erection and one can have an erection at any time they desire. However, natural or spontaneous erection is not device dependent.
Will my partner notice that I have a penile prosthesis?
Noticing a surgical scar at the bottom of the penis is the only way you partner may get to know about the penile prosthesis. The implant is placed inside the penis and looks natural in flaccid position. Semi-rigid implants may sometimes appear through clothing.
How long do patients take to recover after surgery?
Normal recovery period is 4-6 weeks. Follow the instructions given by your physician during this phase for best outcomes.
Can I do an MRI if I have a penile implant?
Yes, this prosthesis is MRI compatible.
Do these implants have a shelf life? How frequently do these implants need to be changed?
The implants may last for up to 10-15 years if used twice a week. Reports suggest that patients have functional implants that lasted for as long as 20 years. It should be noted, however, that since implants are a mechanical device after all, normal wear and tear is unavoidable, and its shelf life is subject to usage.
After penile surgery, how much average increase in penile length can be achieved?
After the surgery, the penis can increase by two inches in length and one inch in girth.
What is success rate of erectile dysfunction treatment?
Ninety percent of the men are highly satisfied with the erection and sexual experience after getting implants. Success rates of getting implants in India are at par with the world standards, however, it should be understood that every surgical procedure could have its own complications. Hence, cases with 4% mechanical failure rates could be corrected by a revision surgery.
What is the recommended frequency of usage after the implant?
It is harmless if used two to three times a week without causing any kind of injury in blood vessels and penile tissues. However, if carefully tackled, patient can also use it daily for weeks or even months
Cost at Top Indian Hospital for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment | ||
Type of Implant | Make | Cost |
Malleable | Indian | 3000$ |
Malleable Promedon Tube | American | 4500$ |
Inflatable Two Piece | American, AMS | 9000$ |
Inflatable Three Pieces / hydraulic | Swiss CX 700 | 14000$ |
Inflatable Three Pieces / hydraulic | American, LGX | 16000$ |
Type of Hospital you choose: The cost greatly depends on the type of hospital you choose. If the hospital is JCI accredited, located in a top-tier city in India, and offers single super specialty or multi-super specialty treatment, the cost of the treatment will be higher. The cost also depends on the hospital’s brand.
Treatment Method: Various treatment methods are available for erectile dysfunction. The treatment methods are :
The cost will depend on the type of treatment method you choose.
Andrologist Fee: The overall cost of the treatment also depends on the experience and skill of the doctor treating your case.
Medication Costs: The oral medications that are used to treat erectile dysfunction, like Viagra and Cialis are costly. The frequency of medication will determine your overall cost.
Medical Consultations: Consultation with healthcare professionals, including urologists, sexologists, and others, is needed to diagnose erectile dysfunction. The cost of these things adds to the overall cost of the treatment.
Diagnostic Tests: Some diagnostic tests, such as hormone function tests, ultrasound, and imaging, are needed to determine the underlying cause of ED. The cost of these procedures adds to the total cost of the treatment.
Therapy or Counseling: Psychological factors also contribute to the cost of the treatment. In cases like erectile dysfunction, you will need therapy and counseling. This will affect the cost of the treatment.
Type of Penile Implant Used: If you go for penile implant surgery, the type and make of the penile implant used will determine the cost of the surgery. The types of penile implants used are:
Package Inclusion | Package Exclusion |
Pre-Operative Investigations | Stay beyond package days |
Single / Private Room | Consultation with other speciality |
Surgeons Fees | The complications that may occur |
OT and Anesthesia Charges | An implant that is not part of the package will not be included in the Price |
Penile Implant Cost | |
Medication during the hospital stay | |
The attendant stays with three times meals | |
Hospital stay – 2 days |
India Stay: 10 days
The success rate of the surgery is 99%
Sexual Health on a Budget: Service Cost at Cross-Border Care
Services | Cost |
Hotel with kitchen | 20$ per day |
Food | 10$ per day |
Local Travelling (taxi) | Free of cost |
Local SIM Card | Free of cost |
Language Translator | Free of cost |
Cross Border Care is the best medical consultant in India. When you contact us, we will help you with:
To know more about our services, please write to us at info@crossborderscare.com
We will help you to find the best Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Doctors in India.