Testicular implants are used for aesthetic reasons to replace a missing or removed testicle/testes. As they are non-functioning, they can be used only to enhance the appearance of the male anatomy, hence they are cosmetic. Sadly, each year, thousands of men lose their testicles due to a variety of medical conditions and disorders. Most common are conditions resulting from congenital defects or disorders resulting from:
• cancer (prostate, testicular cancers)
• trauma (injury from sports, accidents, etc.)
• atrophy
• torsion (twisted testicles)
• agenesia/agenesis (failure of an organ to grow)
• cryptorchidism (failure of the testicles to descend into the scrotum)
• epididymitis/epididymo-orchitis (inflammation of the epididymis; epididymo-orchitis is inflammation of the epididymis and testes, often caused by bacterial infection due to catheters, or urinary infections) or mumps.
• intersex disorders, and sex reversals (SRS—sexual reassignment surgery)
• other conditions resulting from injury to the organ(s)
The lack of a testicle in a male has been proven to be as psychologically traumatic as the absence of a breast in a female. Hence, testicular implants have been developed to restore the normal appearance of the scrotum and hopefully restore quality of life by building self-esteem and confidence in men lacking one or both testicles.
While testicular implants are nothing new—having been used in surgery for functional/aesthetic correction for over 60 years—they have undergone a series of evolutionary changes in their construction since their inception after World War II. Years ago, the implants were made of silica, silicone, metal alloys, polymers, and rubberized/elastomers. Because of the lack of regulation in the implant design, many different surgical results were reported—many unfavorable. However, in 1976, the FDA formerly began analysis of the implant materials/construction and has since regulated their safety. The saline-filled and solid prosthetic devices are approved for safety and general surgical intervention/implantation. They are generally made of a silicone elastomer, have the same weight, shape and pliability of a regular testicle. The surgeon implants the device as it comes from the manufacturer. One end is designed to allow the implant to be anchored in place via sutures. Doctors prefers the soft solid implant because it feels natural and is less prone to complications.
Complications are rare and have no more risk than any other type of implant surgery, with infection named as being the most cited cause for concern. Even more rare, there is always a chance for tissue rejection, or the implant may leak. Infection is generally treated with oral/systemic antibiotics and usually responds well to this treatment. Rejection and/or leaks need to be surgically intervened.
Testicular implants can create a normal cosmetic appearance of testicles and give a man or a child confidence.
Post-operative complications from testicular implants
As with any surgical procedure there may be post-operative complications. The most common is infection. Other complications include hematoma (blood loss into the surrounding tissue) and poor wound healing. Side effects of anesthesia, although rare can be very serious. The implants are generally very safe, and while they can last a lifetime, they have a failure rate of approximately 3%, requiring removal, or replacement. Issues relating to needed replacement can range from rupture, to implant rejection and implant capsulation—a condition where the body deposits a fibrous membrane around the implant, making it harden and sometimes (rarely) resulting in capsulitis (inflammation). If implanted in a young child, they will generally need to be replaced as the child ages, allowing for a larger implant to maintain aesthetic proportion.
Testicular implants can often be inserted in less than an hour by a trained surgeon on an outpatient basis.
resource: http://www.drgiunta.com/testicular-implants.html
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