The AMS 700 LGX is a three-piece inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) used to treat severe erectile dysfunction (ED) when standard non-surgical treatments have failed to produce satisfactory results. This device is completely concealed within the body, consisting of a pair of cylinders placed in the penis, a fluid reservoir in the lower abdomen, and a pump discreetly located in the scrotum. The LGX model is particularly notable because its cylinders are designed to expand in both girth and length, offering up to 20% elongation and 25% girth expansion. This feature addresses concerns about potential penile size reduction often associated with ED.
The Patient Journey Before Surgery
The decision to proceed with an AMS 700 LGX implant follows a diagnostic process, confirming that the patient’s erectile dysfunction is refractory to less invasive therapies. Patient selection focuses on men whose ED is caused by factors like diabetes, vascular disease, or prostate cancer treatment, and who possess the manual dexterity needed to operate the pump mechanism. Preoperative counseling is crucial, ensuring the patient has realistic expectations about the outcome, including the fact that the implant restores rigidity but does not necessarily guarantee length augmentation beyond the pre-disease state.
Medical clearance is a mandatory step, including a physical exam and blood work, to ensure the patient is in optimal health for surgery and to minimize the risk of infection. For patients receiving the InhibiZone-coated version of the AMS 700, screening for allergies to the antibiotics rifampin and minocycline is necessary, as this coating is designed to reduce the risk of post-operative infection. Patients must adjust or discontinue certain medications, like blood thinners, several days before the procedure.
The implantation procedure is typically minimally invasive and often takes around one hour to complete. Through a small incision, usually in the penoscrotal junction, the surgeon places the two cylinders inside the erectile chambers, the reservoir under the abdominal muscle, and the pump in the scrotum. The small incision allows for all three components to be connected and positioned entirely within the body, rendering the device undetectable from the outside.
Immediate Post-Surgical Recovery
The immediate “After” phase begins right after the surgical procedure, with most patients being discharged either the same day or within 24 hours of the operation. Pain management is a high priority and often involves nerve blocks administered during surgery, followed by prescription oral medications to manage discomfort for the first one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising of the penis and scrotum are expected post-operative symptoms, which are managed with scrotal elevation and a compression dressing typically removed one day after surgery.
Patients are instructed on initial wound care and are generally able to shower the day after the procedure, though they must avoid baths or swimming for a few weeks to protect the incision site. The initial recovery involves a period of relative rest, with patients typically able to return to non-strenuous daily activities and desk work within a few days to one week. During this initial four-to-six-week healing period, the device remains partially inflated to a low pressure to prevent scar tissue formation and is not to be fully cycled or used for sexual activity.
Long-Term Outcomes and Device Functionality
The ultimate “After” state begins when the surgeon clears the patient to start using the device, which generally occurs four to six weeks post-surgery. This marks the transition to device activation, where the patient learns to operate the pump by repeatedly squeezing and releasing the bulb in the scrotum to draw fluid from the reservoir and inflate the cylinders. This process, often called “cycling,” is practiced daily to maintain tissue elasticity and activate the lengthening and girth expansion features of the LGX model.
Once fully inflated, the AMS 700 LGX provides a firm, rigid erection suitable for sexual intercourse, closely mimicking a natural erection. Patient satisfaction rates are notably high, with studies reporting that over 90% of men are satisfied or very satisfied with their sexual activity post-procedure, and a large majority would recommend the implant to a friend. Partner satisfaction is also significant, often reported to be above 80%, as the device restores spontaneity and a functional sex life.
The AMS 700 LGX is designed to be discreet, with the penis returning to a flaccid state when the deflation button on the pump is pressed, allowing the fluid to return to the reservoir. Long-term maintenance involves routine follow-up appointments with the urologist, usually annually, to monitor device function and overall health. The mechanical reliability of the device is robust, with studies showing high survival rates over many years of use.