Procedure Side effects

Although the Internal Penile Pump™ procedure is very successful and safe, like any other treatment, there are a few side effects to be aware of.

Infection

The most serious side effect that can occur is an infection though less than 0.5% percent of patients under Dr. Eid’s care have experienced this problem. If the infection is located in the skin, an antibiotic usually will solve the problem. If the infection is deeper and affects the Internal Penile Pump™, then it will need to be removed and replaced with a non-infected Internal Penile Pump™.

Malfunction

Malfunction rates are low, less than 5 percent for the first five years. However, all Internal Penile Pump™’s eventually wear out. In general, they will last for 8 to 12 years; like any device, the more it is used, the sooner it will need replacement. However, the Internal Penile Pump™ is easily removed and replaced in the same fashion as the original.

Complications

  • Post-operative bleeding, hematoma formation at the site of the reservoir and pump can occur and displace the pump rendering it inaccessible and delaying activation of the device.
  • The cylinders can fall out of the penis into the scrotal sac if the opening of the tunica is not closed well.
  • The reservoir can also move from the groin into the scrotal sac, much like a hernia if it is not placed correctly.
  • Temporary severe pain in the penis for the first week after the surgery and persistent chronic pain for 2 to 3 months in non infected implants can also rarely occur.
  • Pain can also be present for longer periods of time if the implant cylinders were over-sized (supposedly to make the penis bigger) or if cross-over of one cylinder into the wrong side of the penis occurred.
  • Other problems can happen such as erosion of implant component through the skin if an infected implant is not removed or the device is over-sized.
  • Erosion of the implant can also occur into the urethra if the urethra was damaged during the surgery.
  • Injury to bladder, small bowel (intestine), colon and even injury to major blood vessels such as aorta, vena cava and artery and vein to the lower extremity although very rare has been reported during placement or removal of the reservoir.

The more experienced the surgeon the less likely a complication will occur. There is no substitute for experience and good judgement.