Surgical complications such as penile prosthesis rejection are rarer than they may seem. Rejection and infection are low-risk circumstances, between 0.1% and 3.5%, according to a study published in the World Journal of Urology¹.
However, even if the risk is low, a surgical complication brings concern for patients, especially in a treatment related to health and sexual performance.
It’s important to understand how cases of penile prosthesis rejection or even infection can occur and what needs to be done to reverse the situation.
For some patient profiles, sensitivity is even greater. Find out when medical care needs to be redoubled and if your case applies. 
Can the Penile Prosthesis be Rejected?
Yes, this can happen. But complications in penile implant surgery are rare. When a problem occurs, it’s usually linked to infections.
If the infection is not properly treated, it can generate morbidity (aggravations) post-surgery. In more severe cases, the prosthesis is rejected by the body. That is, the implant is not well adapted, thus does not function correctly, and can cause intense pain for the patient.
When there is rejection of the penile prosthesis, the recommendation may be to change the implant, necessitating a new surgery.
Possible Complications of the Penile Prosthesis
Negative occurrences in implant surgeries can happen intraoperatively or appear later, postoperatively.
Surgical complications resulting in infections can occur due to medical imprudence, but also from actions of the patient themselves, as we will see next:
Complication During Surgery: Perioperative Injury
Urethral injury can occur while the member is being pierced to receive the prosthetic material subsequently. If the distal urethra (the furthest point of the urethra) is hit, the surgery needs to be stopped immediately and cannot continue.
If the proximal or intermediate region of the urethra is hit, the situation is more manageable and the repair can be done immediately. Thus, the procedure can be completed.
Postoperative Complications: Penile Prosthesis Rejection
Lack of adaptation to the implanted material, sensation of strong pains, and much discomfort for daily activities is not normal after an implant surgery. These are symptoms of penile prosthesis rejection
The main goal of the surgery is to recover the patient’s sexual well-being, otherwise, the result has not been achieved.
Depending on the degree of rejection, the prosthesis may not operate correctly and the functionality of the organ will continue to be compromised. A new surgery may be indicated to resolve the situation.
Postoperative Complications: Infection
Infection can occur in up to 3% of surgical cases¹. In addition to situations arising from the procedure itself, there is a propensity for patients themselves to develop infections and care needs to be redoubled.
For example, patients who consume anabolic hormones have a higher risk of suffering infections during surgical procedures.
Which Patients are More Susceptible to Complications?
For invasive surgical occasions, such as the case of a penile prosthesis implant, there are certain health profiles that are more prone to complications during the operation.
Patients with a history of smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure need careful evaluation and much attention in the pre and postoperative, respecting all medical recommendations is fundamental to ensure the success of the surgery.
The resumption of your sexual well-being also depends on the attitudes of care and commitment to recovery.
Signs of Complications
There are some symptoms of penile prosthesis rejection to which you should pay attention, even more if you fit one of the previously mentioned profiles. In general, a penis with a possible complication of the penile prosthesis will present:
- Swelling and redness in the area of the prosthesis
- Persistent pain in the area of the prosthesis
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Infection (fever, high temperature, and/or presence of pus in the area of the prosthesis)
- Skin changes in the area of the prosthesis (peeling, rashes, etc)
In addition, if penile curvature and/or erectile dysfunction also did not improve, even after the recovery period has ended, it may be an indication of penile prosthesis rejection.
Prevention and Necessary Care
To avoid complications of the penile implant, care must be taken from before the surgery. It all starts in the surgeon’s office, who must examine, evaluate, and understand the anatomy and specifics of the patient’s penis to avoid surprises during the operation. It is important for the patient to prepare correctly for the surgery, following the indicated steps, such as proper hygiene of the region, fasting, among others.
At the time of the procedure, the doctor must take great care to eliminate present microorganisms. Shaving the hairs, cleaning the skin, and the application of antibiotics are very important to minimize the risk of infections. In addition, it is necessary to place a suitable prosthesis for that penis. Therefore, the doctor must have some options available. After the surgery, the patient will need to take proper care and be closely monitored by the surgeon until discharge.
When is the Penile Prosthesis Implant Indicated?
The recommendation for a penile implant comes to correct and treat cases related to penetrative dysfunctions. That is: when the penis loses vertical rigidity and cannot penetrate, and sometimes, the caliber and even the size.
The World Health Organization estimates that 30% of Brazilian men suffer from erectile dysfunction, one of the main diagnoses that interfere with penetrative functionality and male erection.
Peyronie’s Disease is another case where the penile prosthesis may be indicated to correct and align the member. Peyronie’s is a severe state of fibrosis in the intimate region, causing bending and thinning of the member.
The medical indication for the penile implant aims to recover and reverse the damages caused to the member. It is an option for cases that have not responded well to other treatment lines, such as medications and injections. Click here and learn what you need to know before implanting a penile presthesis.
Does the Penile Prosthesis Pose Any Risk to the Patient?
The penile prosthesis is an effective treatment and consolidated by the international medical community for serious cases of Peyronie’s Disease and erectile dysfunction. Therefore, when properly indicated for the ideal patient, there is a very low risk to health. On the contrary: the patient is expected to have improvements in their sexual quality of life. Among the expected risks are:
- Infections
- Penile Prosthesis Rejection
- Bruises and/or bleeding
- Mechanical failure
- Pain or discomfort
Is the Treatment Safe?
Some people may fear potential complications in the surgical procedure. However, it’s important that you feel confident to proceed with this treatment.
Cases with complications represent less than 3.5% of all operations. Therefore, if you have received the recommendation for an implant for your case, try not to worry about the rejection of the penile prosthesis.
To feel more confident about this treatment, to know how to avoid rejection of the penile prosthesis, and to increase the chances of being satisfied with the surgery, get in touch. We can assist with your case and resolve your doubts so that you can recover your sexual life. Fonte: Chung E, Van CT, Wilson I, Cartmill RA. Penile prosthesis implantation for the treatment for male erectile dysfunction: clinical outcomes and lessons learnt after 955 procedures. World J Urol. 2013;31(3):591-595. doi:10.1007/s00345-012-0859-4
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