Pre-Operation Instructions: Penile Implants
Penile implants are preferred treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) by men who do not respond to ED medication; indeed, this solution earns a very high satisfaction rate. If you are considering this option to treat your ED, you may be curious about what is involved.
Let’s talk about what you can expect in the general preoperative preparation for getting a penile implant and where you can go in Concord and Charlotte to find out more about an ED treatment that would work successfully for you.
Preparing for Penile Implant Surgery
Having penile implants is essentially having a minor prosthesis, so it does take a bit more preparation than typical outpatient surgery would.
One week before surgery – About a week before the operation, you will be asked to undergo a presurgical urine test and blood test. The penile implant surgeon may also require medical or cardiac clearances prior to the surgery.
You will likely be told to avoid taking aspirin during this period, as this medication thins the blood. However, if you’re taking aspirin therapy for the management of heart disease, then the doctor will either advise that you reduce your dosage or let you continue taking it until the day of the surgery. Be sure to communicate all medications and underlying health conditions with the surgeon.
Three days before surgery – Be sure that you’ve arranged for transportation to and from the clinic where you will be having the procedure done. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home, and most clinics today (due to state laws) require that you personally know your driver – you cannot have an Uber, Lyft, or taxi drive you home.
Two days before surgery – Do not consume alcoholic beverages from this point until after you have recovered from the operation.
After midnight before surgery – Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight during the morning before your surgery. This includes water, hard candy, chewing gum, tea, juice, and coffee. However, if you need to take a certain medication for a health condition, and your surgeon has given you clearance to take it before the surgery, then you can take it with a sip of water.
The reason why patients should not eat or drink anything at all before a surgery during which they will be placed under anesthesia is that their sphincters and other tissues relax. When this happens, if there is food or liquid in your stomach, it can move into the esophagus and into the windpipe, causing dangerous aspiration.
On the day of surgery – Arrive at the clinic at least two hours prior to surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and leave jewelry and other valuables at home; just be sure to bring your ID and health insurance card. Wear close-fitting underwear that provides support to the scrotum.
Penile Implant Surgeon in Concord and Mint Hill, North Carolina
Board-certified urologist Dr. Richard Natale and his team will provide all of the information you need for your ED treatment. If you have any questions about penile implant surgery or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Natale, call our urology clinic today at (704) 786-5131 or fill out our online request form. We look forward to successfully treating your sexual health issue.
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