Malleable penile implants (MPPs) are medical devices meant to restore erectile function in patients via the insertion of two pliable cylinders into the erectile bodies of the penis.
When the patient wishes to engage in sexual activity or maintain an erection, they simply bend the device into an upright position for intercourse and bend it back down to conceal once finished.
How are malleable penile implants placed?
There are two primary methods for placing MPPs: infrapubically, which is inserted via a small incision above the penis, and penoscrotally, which is inserted through a small incision in the base of the penis and above the scrotum. There is also a third approach that is gaining traction called the sub-coronal approach.
While there is some debate amongst prosthetic surgeons about which placement method has greater efficacy, all techniques have been shown to result in high satisfaction rates with patients when placed by well-trained or dedicated penile implanters, usually members of SUPS.
Placement of the malleable penile implant can typically take under an hour and can be performed under local, spinal or general anesthetic, depending on the medical needs of the patient.
What is life like with an MPP?
For patients who no longer wish to live with erectile dysfunction, a penile implant represents an improvement in their lifestyle and ability to maintain a physiologic, penetrating penis. It should be borne in mind that, if untreated, or if medication proves ineffective, the penile tissue in patients with erectile dysfunction will continuously atrophy, resulting in the loss of length and girth.
Patients who have successfully undergone MPP surgeries can resume sexual and most physical activity within 2-6 weeks of the procedure.
What is the average lifespan of a malleable penile implant?
Most penile implants still function ten to fifteen years post-placement. While the longevity varies based on the implant type and manufacturer, the annual failure rate for penile implants is typically less than 1-2%.