Hospital records first-of-its-kind surgical procedure on man suffering from erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence

The Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre has recorded a surgical
procedure that is said to be the first of its kind in Antigua and
Barbuda and in the Eastern Caribbean. 

Reports from the institution say that urologist Dr. Dwayne Thwaites,
assisted by consultant urologist Dr. Regene Johnson, implanted an
inflatable penile prosthesis and artificial urinary sphincter in a man
in his 60s. The procedure lasted about two hours.

The patient reportedly had suffered from erectile dysfunction and
urinary incontinence for several years after being treated for
prostate cancer. And, reportedly, he had not responded positively to
other methods to combat these two common post-operative
complications.

“The advantage of this dual surgery is not only in time and cost
savings, but, more importantly, quality of life,” Dr. Thwaites, the lead
surgeon, says.

Further, the patient is able to get back to normal life sooner without
having to prepare for another surgery as soon as he heal, Thwaites
adds.

The surgeon says that both implant procedures offer new hope for
men and are alternative options when other, less-invasive
treatments for erectile and urinary problems have failed.

Meanwhile, Dr. Johnson says that “erectile dysfunction continues to
be an underreported issue, despite its increased prevalence,
negative impact and the availability of successful treatment.” 

She says it is important that men talk to their doctors, because this
procedure, as well as other treatment options, can be truly life
changing for them and can greatly enhance their relationship with
their partners.

The surgery requires a rare, specialized expertise, a sub-specialty in
urology, the hospital says.