Penile Prosthesis Post-Operative Instructions

Print

Please review the instructions below to assist in your recovery from your penile prosthesis.

• You can remove the protective dressing two days following the procedure.  Continue scrotal support for one week after the surgery. 
  
  
• The incisions were closed with absorbable suture.  This suture dissolves on its own and does not need to be removed.   

• You may shower two days following surgery.  Do not let the water directly contact the incision.  Pat the area dry – do not rub the incision.  Do not submerge in water (bath, pool, swimming) until after two weeks.

• You may resume a regular diet on postoperative day one.

• Driving is permitted one week after surgery, but only if you are pain-free when off medications.

• You may return to work, on average two weeks after surgery.

• Activity should be light, walking short distances is fine, but do NOT lift objects heavier than 10 pounds, avoid exercise (no running, stairmaster/Nordictrack, heavy lifting, straining, sit-ups, push ups or similar activities etc.) for four weeks

• Take the following medications as prescribed:

• Tylox one tablet by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed for pain.  Otherwise, take Tylenol for pain.
• Keflex one tablet by mouth every 6 hours for 14 days.  If penicillin allergic, an alternative antibiotic will be prescribed.
• Colace one tablet by mouth twice a day to prevent constipation.

• Keep your penis pointed cephalad (toward your head).  This is so the penis heals in this position.

• There will be swelling in your scrotum, but it is important that you pull down on the prosthesis pump which is located in your scrotum.  This is so the scrotum heals with the pump located in the most dependent (lowest) position within the scrotum.

• Your prosthesis may be partially inflated for healing purposes.  Do not attempt to inflate or deflate the prosthesis.  At your 6 week postop visit Dr. Boyle will teach you to begin cycling (inflating and deflating) your prosthesis.

• Call to make an appointment to see Dr. Boyle for a two week postoperative check.  You will see Dr. Boyle again at 6 weeks postoperatively.

• Contact Dr. Boyle if you notice:

• The wound becomes increasingly red, warm, inflamed, swollen
• Develop a fever >101 degree F
• Copious drainage from the wound

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at my office (410)502-1718 or cell phone (443)286-2721.  Or if after hours, contact the urologist on call at JHH.

Karen E. Boyle, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Urology
Director, Reproductive Medicine & Surgery
The Brady Urological Institute at Greenspring Station
The Johns Hopkins Hospital

Phone:  (410)502-1718
Fax:  (410)502-7711
kboyle@jhmi.edu