Patient Data
3-piece inflatable penile pump comprising two inflatable cylinders replacing the corpora cavernosa, a scrotal pump and release valve, an intra-abdominal reservoir, and tubing.
3D render showing the different parts of a 3-piece inflatable penile prosthesis.
Case Discussion
Erectile dysfunction is very common among diabetics 1, as in this patient.
Penile implants are a viable choice for men with erectile dysfunction who cannot achieve a satisfactory erection with medications or a penile pump.
There are two categories of penile implants: rigid/semirigid rods and inflatable implants. The latter better simulate natural erection. Inflatable implants consist of two inflatable penile cylinders, a pump with a release valve, and a saline reservoir. For achieving an erection, the user squeezes the pump, which transfers saline from the reservoir into the cylinders. When the user wishes to return to a flaccid state, he presses on the release valve. The difference between a 2-piece and a 3-piece inflatable prosthesis is that in the former, both the pump and the reservoir reside within the scrotum while in the latter (shown in this case), the reservoir is inserted behind the abdominal wall.