Hydraulic penile prosthesis in Turkey: preparing for your treatment journey

Hydraulic penile prostheses in Turkey: the complete guide

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that affects millions of men worldwide. When medication, intracavernosal injections or other treatments no longer provide a satisfactory erection, a hydraulic penile prosthesis is now the most effective and long-lasting surgical treatment available. Thanks to advances in modern urological surgery, this procedure enables many patients to regain an active sex life, greater self-confidence and a significantly improved quality of life.

Turkey has become one of the most recognised destinations for this procedure. Specialist surgeons, modern hospitals and comprehensive care for international patients now ensure that patients can benefit from high-quality treatment under optimal conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we answer all the questions patients may have before undergoing surgery for a hydraulic penile prosthesis.

What is a hydraulic penile prosthesis?

A hydraulic penile prosthesis is a medical device surgically implanted inside the penis to restore an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Unlike drug treatments, the prosthesis does not rely on blood flow or a response to medication. It allows the patient to control their own erection using a fully internal hydraulic system. The device comprises:

- two cylinders implanted inside the penis; - a pump discreetly positioned in the scrotum; - a reservoir containing a sterile solution implanted in the pelvis.

When the patient wishes to achieve an erection, they simply press gently on the pump located in the scrotum. The fluid is then transferred to the cylinders, producing a firm erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Once intercourse is complete, the patient simply presses the deflation button on the pump to return the fluid to the reservoir. The penis then returns to its flaccid, supple and natural state. This technology provides a result very similar to a natural erection whilst remaining completely concealed inside the body.

Who can benefit from a penile prosthesis?

A hydraulic penile prosthesis is generally recommended for men suffering from severe erectile dysfunction when conventional treatments no longer produce satisfactory results. It may be recommended in the following situations, amongst others:

- failure of medication for erectile dysfunction; - intracavernosal injections proving ineffective; - advanced diabetes; - after-effects of prostate surgery; - vascular diseases; - certain neurological conditions; - Peyronie’s disease associated with significant erectile dysfunction.

Each patient undergoes a thorough consultation with the surgeon to confirm that this procedure is the best solution for their situation.

The patient’s journey in Turkey: a well-organised care programme

To ensure the highest levels of safety and comfort, our care programme is organised around a six-day stay in Istanbul. Upon your arrival, our team will arrange your transfer from the airport to your hotel. This first day is set aside for rest so that you can recover from your journey. The following morning, the comprehensive pre-operative assessment begins. You will undergo the necessary tests prior to any surgical procedure and meet your surgeon and anaesthetist. Once the results have been verified and your case approved, the operation is usually scheduled for the afternoon. The aim of this process is to ensure that all medical conditions are met prior to surgery and that every patient receives personalised and safe care.

Pre-operative tests: an essential step for your safety

Before any surgical procedure, every patient undergoes a comprehensive medical assessment to ensure that the operation can be carried out under the safest possible conditions. This assessment usually includes:

- a full set of blood tests; - an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the condition of the heart; - a chest X-ray; - a consultation with the urological surgeon; - a consultation with the anaesthetist.

All the results are then reviewed by the anaesthetist, who gives the go-ahead for the operation once all the necessary conditions have been met. In some cases, further tests may be required. For example, a patient with a history of heart problems may be referred to a cardiologist for an echocardiogram or other investigations. Similarly, a history of respiratory conditions, diabetes, a chronic illness or other medical problems may require a specialist’s advice prior to surgery. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that the operation is carried out under the safest possible conditions.

Medication: prepare a complete list

Inform the surgeon and the anaesthetist of all the medicines you are taking. Do not change or stop taking any anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents or other medicines without instructions from the healthcare professional coordinating your care.

How is the operation carried out?

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia, depending on your state of health and the anaesthetist’s advice. The operation usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. During the procedure, the surgeon implants the various components of the prosthesis entirely inside the body. No part is visible from the outside. The aim is to restore a reliable erection whilst maintaining a natural appearance of the penis when flaccid. Thanks to the surgeon’s experience and modern surgical techniques, the tissues are handled with the utmost care to minimise trauma, pain and post-operative swelling.

One night’s stay in hospital following the procedure

After the operation, the patient usually spends one night in hospital. A urinary catheter is inserted to allow the bladder to empty normally during the first few hours following the procedure. The following morning, the surgeon carries out a clinical check-up, changes the dressing and removes the urinary catheter. Before being discharged from hospital, the patient is asked to urinate normally. Once this is achieved without difficulty, they may return to their hotel to continue their recovery.

How do we minimise the risk of infection?

As with any surgical procedure, the insertion of a penile prosthesis carries a risk of infection. However, several measures are taken to minimise this risk. Before the operation, some patients may be advised to postpone their surgery, particularly if their diabetes is not adequately controlled. Good blood sugar control is essential for promoting optimal healing and reducing the risk of infection. Antibiotics are administered before, during and after the procedure in accordance with strict protocols. Modern implants are also designed using technologies intended to limit bacterial growth.

The surgeon’s experience, strict adherence to aseptic techniques and hospital protocols are also essential factors in ensuring the surgery is carried out under the safest possible conditions.

Recovery after the operation

Once you have returned to your hotel, you may experience some moderate pain, slight swelling or minor bruising. These symptoms are normal following surgery and will gradually subside over the following days. To minimise swelling, a compression dressing is applied after the procedure. Wearing a support brief is also recommended during the first few days to ensure the penis is correctly positioned and to improve comfort. In the majority of cases, bruising and swelling remain moderate and improve significantly within one to two weeks.

The post-operative check-up before you go home

A few days after your operation, you will return to the hospital for a follow-up consultation. This visit allows the surgeon to check your healing progress, change the dressing if necessary, and answer any questions you may have. You will also receive your medical records, your post-operative instructions and a practical demonstration of how to use the pump on a training model. This step is essential to ensure that you can use your prosthesis with confidence once the healing period is complete. Following this check-up, the majority of patients are allowed to return to their home country the very next day. Those who wish to extend their holiday in Istanbul are, of course, free to do so as they wish.

Resuming a normal sex life after a penile prosthesis

One of the main aims of the hydraulic penile prosthesis is to enable the patient to regain a satisfying sex life and restored self-confidence. During the first few weeks, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s recommendations to ensure proper healing. Sexual intercourse is generally permitted after 4 to 6 weeks, once healing is complete.

Does the implant affect sensation or orgasm?

No! The sole purpose of the hydraulic penile prosthesis is to restore erectile function. During the operation, the nerves responsible for sensation in the penis – particularly the dorsal nerves – are not affected. The glans, which plays a vital role in sexual sensation, remains unchanged, and the skin of the penis is also preserved. Therefore, if sensation, orgasm and ejaculation were normal before the operation, they generally remain unchanged after surgery.

Does a penile prosthesis affect fertility?

The answer is no. A penile prosthesis does not affect sperm production, ejaculation or male fertility. However, it does enable the restoration of reliable and regular erections. For couples wishing to have a child, this makes sexual intercourse easier during the partner’s fertile period and may therefore increase the chances of achieving a natural pregnancy, provided the couple’s fertility is normal. The implant therefore does not treat infertility, but it restores sexual function, which can be essential when planning a pregnancy.

Is the prosthesis visible?

No! All components of the prosthesis are fully implanted inside the body. Nothing is visible from the outside. In everyday life, it is virtually impossible to tell that a man is wearing a penile prosthesis simply by looking at him. Many patients, in fact, choose not to mention it to those around them. In the majority of cases, even the partner does not notice the presence of the prosthesis during sexual intercourse, unless the patient himself decides to share this information.

Can you travel after the operation?

Yes! Our programme is organised around a 6-day stay in Istanbul, which allows for all the necessary examinations, the surgery, hospitalisation, post-operative follow-up and training in the use of the pump to be completed before you return home. The majority of patients can travel as early as the day after their follow-up consultation. If you’d like to make the most of your stay by spending a few extra days visiting Istanbul, this is perfectly possible.

Security checks at airports

The hydraulic penile prosthesis does not usually set off metal detectors or airport security systems. As a precaution, we provide each patient with a medical certificate confirming the procedure performed. The manufacturer also supplies an implant wearer’s identification card, which can be kept with your travel documents, although it is rarely requested.

What results can be expected?

The hydraulic penile prosthesis is now regarded as the gold standard surgical treatment when other treatments for erectile dysfunction have not produced the expected results. Scientific studies report very high satisfaction rates amongst both patients and their partners. This satisfaction is primarily based on the reliability of the erection, the ease of use, the discretion of the device and the improvement in quality of life. In our practice, every procedure is carried out in accordance with rigorous surgical protocols, involving careful patient selection, comprehensive pre-operative preparation and personalised follow-up care, in order to ensure the best possible conditions for safety and success.

Conclusion

Choosing a hydraulic penile prosthesis is an important decision. For many men suffering from severe erectile dysfunction, it offers a long-term solution that enables them to regain an active sex life, greater self-confidence and an improved quality of life. Thorough preparation, a procedure performed by an experienced surgeon and careful post-operative care are essential for achieving the best results.

If you would like to find out whether this procedure is suitable for your situation, our team is on hand to review your medical records, answer your questions and support you throughout your treatment journey.

Key points to remember

A hydraulic penile prosthesis is the standard treatment when other treatments for erectile dysfunction have failed.

The device is implanted entirely inside the body and remains invisible.

The penis remains soft at rest and becomes rigid only when the patient activates the pump.

Sensitivity, orgasm and ejaculation are generally preserved.

The prosthesis does not affect fertility, but it facilitates regular sexual intercourse, which may help with plans to conceive.

The recommended stay in Istanbul is 6 days, including examinations, the procedure, one night’s hospital stay, post-operative follow-up and training in the use of the pump.

Risks are minimised through rigorous patient selection, a strict infection prevention protocol and personalised medical follow-up.

The majority of patients can resume their daily activities quickly and travel after their follow-up appointment.

Scientific studies report satisfaction rates that are among the highest of all urological procedures.

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Background and support

Article by Tarik EL RHAZAL, reproduced and adapted for TebbHelp from a publication on Urology Experts Turkey. The link to the original article can be found in the sources. The services described on the original website do not automatically constitute a TebbHelp offer: their availability and inclusion must be confirmed in a written proposal.

TebbHelp facilitates preparation and communication. This general information is not a substitute for a consultation and does not guarantee an individual outcome.