Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction: Surgery

October 12th, 2008

Surgical Procedures for the Relief of Erectile Dysfunction

While there are several methods and lifestyle changes that can naturally relieve the symptoms of erectile syndrome, some individual cases can not be treated through such means. Men who have a greater difficulty maintaining an erection may have to turn to more invasive treatment.

The Plan for Erectile Dysfunction Surgery

Erectile Dysfunction surgery has one of three goals:

The implementation of a device that allows the penis to become erect.
Reconstruction of arteries to increase blood flow to the penis.
Blocking off veins that are allowing leakage from the penile tissues.

Among the treatment options for men, there are the choices of a surgical penile implant or vascular reconstruction, which are based off the severity of the individual’s condition.

Penile Implants

The simplest type of prosthesis consists of a pair of flexible rods that are surgically implanted within the spongy erection chambers of the penis. One of the more popular devices is a hydraulic, inflatable prosthesis that allows for an erection at will. This type of prosthesis is also ideal for men that have curved erections due to scarring.

The implant is made up of two cylinders that are placed within the penis and is connected to tubing that is inserted into the scrotum and can be inflated using a separate reserve of pressurized fluid attached to a pump. By pressing on the small pump (which is located under the skin of the scrotal sac between the testicles), the fluid from the reservoir fills the cylinders in the penis, giving the appearance and function of a full erection. To reduce the penis to a more natural state, a deflation valve at the base of the pump returns the fluid to its original location by deflating the penis.

For patients concerned about the loss of physical sensation, the device does not affect the sensations for the skin covering the penis, or a man’s ability to reach orgasm and ejaculation. The amount of erections resulting from penis implant surgeries are ninety to ninety-five percent successful in achieving suitable intercourse.

With this type of surgery there are risks of potential complications. Such concerns include infection, scar tissue formation, uncontrolled bleeding, and mechanical failure. Once the device has been implanted, men usually cannot get an erection with inflating the implant. And if the prosthesis is removed, it may not be possible to achieve an erection ever again.

Vascular Reconstructive Surgery

While this surgery has been more ideal for younger men, there have been several advances in this surgery that have prompted older men to also seek this type of treatment. This surgery can reduce erectile dysfunction by allowing doctors to transfer an artery from an abdominal muscle to the penis to remove any obstructions to block the flow of blood to the penis. It also allows the flow of blood to bypass this area of blockage.

Negative effects of this surgery are based on the technical difficulty and cost of this procedure. It is always a good idea to try a natural solution before considering any surgery because there are always risks to your health and well being.

Sources:

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/impotence/

http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/sex/erectile_dysfunction/ed.treat.surgery.htm

http://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/guide/vascular-reconstructive-surgery

You may also like:

Posted in Erectile Dysfunction | No Comments »