Dr. J. Francois Eid Answers Frequently Asked Questions on the Internal Penile Pump

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Mar 01, 2011, 03:39 ET

NEW YORK, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the director of Advanced Urological Care, and Clinical Associate Professor of Urology at Weill/Cornell Medical College in New York City, Dr. J. Francois Eid has performed over 4,000 penile implant surgeries, more than any other surgeon in the world. His practice is dedicated to erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence treatment, with unparalleled expertise in Internal Penile Pump (IPP), or Penile Prosthesis.

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Dr. Eid performs over 300 internal penile pump surgeries each year and developed the "No-Touch" surgical technique, which has an infection rate of less than one percent, making him an expert in his field. As the lay public has little knowledge of the IPP topic, Eid answers some of the more commonly asked questions on the procedure below:

After having the implant, is there a normal ejaculation? Is there a normal feeling after the procedure?

Sensation of climax is preserved after the IPP procedure, which includes a normal orgasm and ejaculation. Erection, orgasm and ejaculation are three independent functions. However, after a prostatectomy for prostate cancer or radiation therapy, the patient can lose the ability to have erections as well as the ability to ejaculate. The fluid that normally comes out of the penis during ejaculation is made in the prostate and seminal vesicles, which are completely removed during a radical prostatectomy. For these patients, an IPP implant can provide an erection and orgasm but no ejaculation.

Is the implant visible and does one feel the implant inside?

A penis with an implant looks and feels completely normal. Eid's places the pump underneath the skin of the scrotal sac behind the testicles so that nothing is visible or palpable to the touch. As a matter of fact several patients report that the partners are unaware of the presence of the implant during sexual activity. Because of the extraordinary quality of the erection and the prolonged duration of sexual activity partners often suspect that the patient is taking Viagra or Cialis. After the first 8 to 12 weeks after implantation, a patient is no longer aware of the presence of the implant in the penis and scrotum.

Is the procedure done in a hospital or in an office? Is it inpatient or outpatient? Is general or local anesthesia used?

Unless required by an insurance company, Eid performs all of his procedures on an ambulatory basis as outpatient and patients are discharged to their home or hotel that afternoon. This keeps patients out of the hospital where aggressive antibiotic resistant bacteria can be found. Dr. Eid prefers regional anesthesia because it expands the penis before the surgery allowing for easier measurement of the penis and maximizing the size of the implant as well as providing prolonged pain relief afterwards. Most patients prefer to be sedated during the procedure and experience a pleasant snooze. However, it can also be done with general anesthesia or an epidural. Dr. Eid leaves the choice to the anesthesiologist and patient.

Is circumcision necessary for the procedure? Does vasectomy cause a problem with the procedure?

Circumcision is not necessary and a vasectomy does not cause a problem with the procedure. In fact, circumcisions are discouraged as Eid does only what is absolutely necessary and indicated. Additionally, a vasectomy is done during the prostatectomy so that sperm does not leak inside the body.

What is the lifespan of the IPP? Does it always work?

The pump usually lasts an average of 8-15 years, but has been known to last for up to 18 years. The IPP also comes with a lifetime replacement warranty. Mechanical malfunctions have only happened in 2 out of 1,089 patients in the first 5 years. Overuse will cause the IPP to fail and when it does, it is easily replaced with less discomfort, thanks to Dr. Eid's "No Touch" technique.