Penile Implant Surgery: Devices, Risks and Costs
Penile implant surgery places an inflatable or malleable device to provide rigidity, usually when erectile dysfunction has not responded to or is unsuitable for other treatments. It is irreversible and requires specialist assessment.
Assessment and alternatives
The clinician should review the diagnosis, health, medicines, infection risk, urinary or penile conditions, previous surgery, manual dexterity and expectations. Alternatives can include medicines, vacuum devices, injections or no surgery, depending on clinical suitability.
Device and surgical risks
Discuss device type, manufacturer, components, operation, expected lifespan and what revision involves. Risks include infection, bleeding, pain, device erosion or migration, mechanical failure, injury, perceived length change, dissatisfaction and removal or replacement.
Understanding cost
Request an itemised written quotation identifying the named contracted surgeon and hospital, exact device, anaesthesia, tests, stay, medicines, follow-up, exclusions and complication or device-failure arrangements. Do not assume government assistance, insurance or finance is available unless confirmed by the relevant organisation in writing.
See Revitalize’s penile prosthesis information, named doctors and assessment route.
Keep learning
Got more questions? We answer them every week
Short, practical videos on preparing for treatment, travelling and recovering, plus a community group where you can ask our team directly.
Travelling from South Africa?
Read Penile prosthesis in Turkey, written for patients flying from Johannesburg or Cape Town: the e-Visa, how long to stay in İzmir and what to arrange at home. Or see all guides for South African patients.
