Penile implant surgery

Preparation for surgery

In the weeks before

  • Medical optimisation matters: good diabetes control and stopping smoking reduce infection risk. You will be asked to have a urine test (to ensure sterile urine) and a MRSA screen.

  • Tell your surgeon if you’ve had prior pelvic surgery (e.g. prostate surgery) or hernia repair, or if you’ve had Peyronie’s disease/priapism/previous penile surgery, as this can change operative planning

  • Medications: your team will advise what to do with blood thinners/antiplatelets and supplements

The night before/morning of

  • Fasting: follow your fasting instructions (typically nil by mouth for 6 hrs prior to surgery)

  • Avoid shaving the genital area at home

Day of surgery

  • You will be admitted, meet your anaesthetist and nursing team, and have final checks.

What happens during the surgery

  • Previously selected penile prosthesis (malleable or 3-piece) will be sized and implanted

  • An indwelling urinary catheter is inserted and this is usually removed on postoperative day 1

  • To reduce bruising/haematoma, your surgeon will place a small suction drain and wrap the penis/scrotum in a crepe bandage

Expected inpatient stay

  • Most patients go home 1-2 days after surgery (this varies with surgeon preference, your medical history, and how you recover)

  • The catheter is removed the morning after surgery

  • Before discharge you should be:

    • comfortable on oral pain relief

    • passing urine

    • walking safely

    • clear on wound care and follow-up

After care

What to expect (first few days)

  • Swelling and bruising of the penis/scrotum is common

  • Pain is common but will resolve in a few weeks

Wound care

  • Keep dressings as advised by your team and keep the wound clean and dry

  • Avoid sitting in bath/pools for 4 weeks

  • Can shower as normal following discharge

Activity

  • Supportive underwear will greatly support your comfort and recovery

  • Avoid heavy lifting/strenuous physical activity for 6 weeks following surgery

  • You are to avoid all forms of sexual activity for 6 weeks after surgery

Using the device

  • A follow up appointment will be scheduled at 3-4 weeks to provide training on device cycling

When to seek urgent help

Contact your surgeon or go to Emergency if you have:

  • fevers/chills or feel unwell

  • increasing redness, heat, worsening pain, pus or bad-smelling discharge from the wound

  • rapidly increasing swelling/tense scrotum

  • inability to pass urine after catheter removal

  • bleeding or severe pain not controlled with prescribed medication