Phalloplasty with hydraulic implants
Phalloplasty with hydraulic implants
Severe erectile dysfunction? Difficulty achieving and maintaining a satisfactory erection? Dissatisfaction with rigidity, stability, or performance? Hydraulic penile prosthesis implantation is a state-of-the-art surgical solution designed to restore the erectile capacity necessary for sexual activity, in cases where pharmacological or conservative treatments have proven ineffective or are not applicable.
The hydraulic penile prosthesis is an implantable medical device that allows the patient to achieve a voluntary, natural-looking erection that is easy to manage in everyday life, thanks to an internal system that is completely invisible from the outside.
The procedure is performed only in licensed surgical facilities, after a specialist examination, using devices that are certified and approved for use in the medical field.
Treatment is reserved for selected patients following a thorough clinical, functional and anatomical evaluation.
The treatment
Hydraulic penile prosthesis implantation is a specialized surgical procedure that involves the insertion of a prosthesis inside the corpora cavernosa of the penis.
The device generally consists of intracavernous cylinders, a small activation mechanism placed behind the pubis or in the scrotum, and, in three-component versions, an internal reservoir. Using this system, the patient can activate an erection at the desired time and return the penis to a flaccid state at the end of intercourse.
The operation is performed in the operating room, under local anesthesia with sedation, spinal or general anesthesia, depending on the clinical features of the patient and the indications of the anesthesiologist specialist.
The surgical technique is custom planned for each patient, with the goal of ensuring a functional, durable, and harmonious result while fully respecting individual anatomy.
The procedure is performed only in licensed health care facilities.
Treatment availability
Treatment is available at AEM Clinic locations in:
CANTU
A specialist examination is recommended to define suitability for surgery, assess the patient’s expectations, and identify the most suitable type of prosthesis.
Results of hydraulic penile prosthesis
The results of hydraulic penile prosthesis implantation are mainly directed toward recovery of penile stiffness and the ability to resume an active sex life with penetrative intercourse.
The main goal of the prosthesis is not penile elongation, but the ability to achieve a stable, manageable erection appropriate for sexual function. In selected cases, the procedure can also help improve the aesthetic appearance of the erect penis, particularly in patients with erectile dysfunction associated with fibrosis, tissue retraction, or La Peyronie’s Disease.
The effects of the operation occur and are progressively evaluated over time, and depend on the anatomical characteristics of the individual patient, the condition of the tissues, the possible presence of concomitant pathologies, and the type of implanted prosthesis.
At AEM Clinic, Dr. Luca Zattoni defines the surgical course following a thorough and personalized clinical evaluation, with the goal of achieving a functional, proportionate, and safe outcome for the patient.
Specialist surgery performed in a licensed health facility using certified medical devices.
Hydraulic prosthesis phalloplasty: recovery
The recovery process following hydraulic penile prosthesis implantation involves a period of healing and a series of planned postoperative follow-ups.
At the end of surgery, the patient receives detailed instructions regarding dressing management, hygiene of the affected area, possible antibiotic and pain relief therapy, and activities to avoid in the first few weeks after discharge.
Return to normal daily activities occurs gradually. It is generally recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse, strenuous physical activity, and any local stress for a defined period, in accordance with the instructions given by the specialist.
The procedures for activating and using the prosthesis are explained to the patient during postoperative checkups, once the tissues have reached an adequate degree of healing.
The entire course is conducted with full respect for the patient’s privacy and well-being, ensuring confidential and dedicated environments.
Clinical indications are determined exclusively following a specialist examination.
Why choose AEM Clinic?
At AEM Clinic, each course of male genital surgery is preceded by a thorough medical evaluation, during which the clinical condition, sexual function, patient expectations, and suitability for the procedure are analyzed.
The approach is based on:
- security
- clinical appropriateness
- personalization of treatment
- confidentiality
- Respect for individual anatomical characteristics
- realistic management of expectations
The goal is to offer a serious, controlled and personalized medical course of action in full compliance with health standards.
Hydraulic penile prosthesis and erectile dysfunction
Hydraulic penile prosthesis represents one of the most advanced surgical solutions for the treatment of severe erectile dysfunction, particularly in patients who do not achieve a satisfactory response with oral medications, intracavernous injections, vacuum devices, or other conservative therapies.
The device enables the patient to achieve a controlled, mechanical erection while preserving sensitivity, sexual desire, and the ability to achieve orgasm, provided these functions were already present prior to surgery.
The prosthesis does not interfere with hormone production, increase libido, or directly affect fertility. Its purpose is solely to restore penile rigidity essential for sexual intercourse.
The selection of the most suitable device is made following a specialist examination, taking into consideration the patient’s medical history, any associated pathologies, anatomical features of the penis, and individual expectations.
Penile prosthesis and La Peyronie's disease
In patients with La Peyronie’s Disease, also known as Induratio Penis Plastica, hydraulic penile prosthesis may be a viable treatment option in cases where penile curvature is accompanied by significant erectile dysfunction.
In appropriately selected patients with stabilized disease, implantation of the prosthesis can help:
- recovering penile rigidity
- improve the ability to penetrate
- Correcting or smoothing out major curvatures
- Increase the stability of the penis during erection
- Reduce functional consequences related to deformity
It is crucial to point out that the prosthesis does not necessarily result in the removal of the fibrous plaque, but it can allow functional correction of the curvature and an overall improvement in the quality of sexual life.
In certain cases, the implant may be combined with additional corrective surgical maneuvers, depending on the severity of the curvature and what emerges from the intraoperative evaluation.
When hydraulic prosthesis may be indicated
Hydraulic penile prosthesis implantation may be indicated in the following cases:
- severe erectile dysfunction
- lack of response to oral medications
- No response or poor tolerance to intracavernous injections
- sequelae of prostate or pelvic surgery
- diabetes with impaired erectile function
- fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa
- La Peyronie’s disease in association with erectile deficiency
- marked penile instability during sexual intercourse
- Functional dissatisfaction that cannot be resolved by conservative treatments
In contrast, treatment is not appropriate for patients who are unfit for surgery, in the presence of ongoing infection, unrealistic expectations of achievable results, or clinical conditions that result in significantly increased operative risk.
Suitability for surgery is always determined following a dedicated specialist examination.
Frequently Asked Questions about phalloplasty with hydraulic prosthesis
The procedure is performed with adequate anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure. Local pain or discomfort may be present in the postoperative period, generally controllable with drug therapy prescribed by the specialist.
Recovery is monitored through scheduled checks.
Penile prosthesis does not have length enhancement as its primary goal. Its main purpose is to restore stiffness and erectile function.
In some patients, especially with chronic erectile dysfunction or tissue retraction, the result may improve the aesthetic and functional perception of the erect penis, but the final size depends on individual anatomical characteristics.
Expectations, anatomical limitations, and possible outcomes are assessed during the specialist visit.
Hydraulic penile prostheses are medical devices designed to last. Durability may vary depending on the type of device, use, patient characteristics, and whether mechanical complications or malfunctions occur.
Over the years, revision or replacement of the prosthesis may be necessary.
Periodic follow-up allows monitoring of the proper functioning of the device.
Like any surgery, penile prosthesis implantation carries possible risks and complications.
These may include:
- infection
- hematoma
- swelling
- post-operative pain
- temporary alterations in sensitivity
- malpositioning of the device
- erosion or exposure of the prosthesis
- mechanical malfunction
- need for surgical revision
All risks are thoroughly discussed during the specialist examination and informed consent. Procedure not indicated in the absence of medical evaluation.
Resumption of sexual activity occurs only after clearance from the specialist, when healing is adequate and the patient has learned to use the prosthesis properly.
Generally, it is necessary to wait a few weeks before resuming relations, but the timing may vary depending on the individual postoperative course.
The penile prosthesis affects penile stiffness, not sexual desire, orgasm, or sperm production.
In patients who retain sensitivity, ejaculation, and orgasm before surgery, these functions can generally be maintained. However, each case must be evaluated individually, especially in the presence of neurological, diabetic, vascular disease or previous surgery.
The prosthesis is not a treatment for infertility and does not alter hormone production.
The hydraulic prosthesis is completely internal and is not visible from the outside when the penis is at rest. The activation system is placed in the retropubic, scrotal, or subcutaneous area as appropriate, and is operated manually by the patient.
The goal is to achieve as unobtrusive, functional and natural a result as possible in daily life.
Penile prosthesis implantation is a functionally definitive surgical procedure because it involves modification of the corpora cavernosa.
If necessary, the prosthesis can be removed or replaced, but the decision must be carefully considered with the specialist.
For this reason, it is essential to perform a thorough examination, to understand well the benefits, limitations, and risks of the surgery, and to have realistic expectations.
Yes, in selected patients with La Peyronie's Disease associated with erectile dysfunction, hydraulic penile prosthesis can be a functionally effective surgical solution.
Treatment can improve stiffness, stability of the penis and, in some cases, help correct curvature.
Specialist evaluation is essential to determine whether the case is indicated for prosthetics, corrective surgery, or other treatments.
Book a specialist evaluation
Hydraulic implant phalloplasty is a specialized surgical procedure that requires medical evaluation, proper indication, and individualized planning.
At AEM Clinic, Dr. Luca Zattoni receives at the Milan and Cantù locations to evaluate the most suitable course based on the patient’s clinical and functional needs.
- +39 351 693 6538
- aemclinic@icloud.com
- Cantù: Via Privata Ugo Ricci, 3