Surgery

Surgery for erectile dysfunction (impotence) is often considered as a last resort. If you have tried other forms of treatment for erectile dysfunction such as medication, a vacuum pump or even a few lifestyle changes but nothing appears to have worked then surgery is an option.

However, surgery is only considered if there is clear evidence that there is a blockage in the blood flow to the penis.

There are two forms of surgery available:

• Penis revascularisation
• Penis implants

Both of these are discussed individually within this section.

Venous ligation

There is another type of surgery called ‘ venous ligation’which is performed in cases where blood leaks out from the penis due to faulty veins. An erection cannot be sustained as a result of this.

This surgery involves removing or tying off (ligated) the faulty vein which allows a sufficient amount of blood to be stored in the penis. This then enables the man to get or sustain an erection.

But venous ligation is successful in fewer than 50% of cases so is rarely performed.

How successful this surgery is depends upon your expectations and how well you adapt to the procedure. The benefits and risks of surgery will be discussed with you beforehand: this will enable you to make an informed decision about surgery.

Surgery is both safe and effective but make sure you are aware of the complications before you proceed.