EDUCATIONAL SURGICAL DISCUSSION GUIDE

Penile Implant Discussion Guide

If penile implant surgery is already being discussed as part of your clinical care, this guide can help you understand the practical differences between inflatable and malleable implant designs and prepare questions for an informed discussion with your surgeon.

Important: This tool does not determine whether you should have implant surgery and does not recommend a device type, manufacturer or model. Suitability and device selection require individual clinical assessment, examination, surgical planning and informed consent.
Implantable medical device information: penile implants require surgery and are supplied through appropriately qualified health professionals. They are not products for direct self-purchase or self-use.

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UNDERSTAND THE TWO BROAD DESIGNS

What is different?

These are general design descriptions only. Individual systems differ, and the information here is not a substitute for product-specific instructions for use or surgical counselling.

INFLATABLE DESIGN

Inflatable penile implant

  • Uses implanted cylinders that can be inflated and deflated.
  • Includes an implanted pump that must be operated manually.
  • Three-piece systems also include a fluid reservoir.
  • Component placement and pump usability form part of surgical planning.
  • More implanted components mean device-specific mechanical issues must be discussed.

MALLEABLE DESIGN

Malleable penile implant

  • Uses bendable implanted rods rather than a fluid system.
  • Does not require an inflation pump or fluid reservoir.
  • The rods are manually positioned for different activities.
  • Ongoing firmness and positioning should be discussed before surgery.
  • Anatomy, prior surgery and individual circumstances still affect suitability.
Neither design is automatically “better”. The practical trade-offs are different, and the appropriate discussion depends on anatomy, previous surgery, hand function, expectations and the operative situation.

PREPARE FOR YOUR DISCUSSION

Which questions may matter most for you?

Answer six short questions. Your result will be a personalised list of topics to clarify. It will not select an implant.

Question 1 of 6

Are you already discussing penile implant surgery with a clinician?

This guide is intended to support an existing clinical discussion rather than decide whether surgery is appropriate.

Question 2 of 6

Have you previously had pelvic, lower abdominal or hernia surgery?

Previous surgery can be relevant to component placement and operative planning.

Question 3 of 6

Have you previously had a penile implant or major penile surgery?

Previous surgery or significant scarring can change the complexity of later implant surgery.

Question 4 of 6

Is penile curvature, narrowing or significant scarring also present?

Deformity or fibrosis can affect operative planning and should be assessed alongside any implant discussion.

Question 5 of 6

Do you have difficulty with repeated squeezing, pressing or fine hand movements?

Hand strength, sensation and dexterity may be relevant when discussing whether an implanted pump would be practical to operate.

Question 6 of 6

Which practical issue would you most like clarified?