Background: While many body parts can be partially replaced or augmented, few can be completely replaced in their totality by a single prosthesis. Such is the case with the testes undoubtably due to its small size and location in the hollows of the scrotal sac. While a testicular implant will not resume the functions of the natural testicle, it can create the external appearance that a pair is present.
The physical and aesthetic requirements of a testicular implant are fairly simple. It should replicate in size and shape that of the opposite testicle. It should also feel soft and supple, not only to match the feel of the opposite testicle, but be easily compressible given its near continuous exposure to external forces.
The solid but very soft silicone material fulfills all requirements needed for a testicle implant. It is extremely compressible with a very low durometer silicone composition. It is available in sizes up to 5 x 4 cms which will work for most men. A custom testicle implant can be made for even larger sizes.
Case Study: This 55 year-old male lost his right testicle at fourteen years of age due to an unknown pathology. He had a long scar on his right scrotal sac that went its full vertical length. He had always felt inadequate and embarrassed his entire life with a missing testicle and was often referred to as ‘single shot’ throughout his life. He was completely unaware that a testicle implant even existed until very recently.
Under general anesthesia the upper portion of his scrotal scar was reopen and a pocket made into the right scrotal sac. The skin was very elastic and a pocket of adequate size was easily made. The largest size silicone testicle implant was used which matched well to his opposite left normal testicle. The scrotal sac was closed in layers and dissolveable sutures used for the skin.
His immediate intraoperative result showed a good match between the implant and the normal testicle. They had a very similar feel externally.
The use of a silicone testicle implant provides a natural feeling and looking testicle that creates good scrotal sac symmetry. It is a procedure that has minimal discomfort afterward with a rapid recovery. One can return to all normal activities within a few weeks after the procedure.
Highlights:
1) Testicular implants can be done at any age no matter how long ago the natural testicle was lost.
2) A soft silicone testicular implant provides the most natural feeling replacement prosthesis.
3) Recovery from testicular implant surgery is rapid with a return to all normal activities in a few weeks.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana