Kenya on Thursday, February 17 recorded a breakthrough in medicine after it successfully performed East Africa's first penile implant producer used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction at the Aga Khan Hospital.
A doctor at the hospital said that the procedure was conducted on a patient in his 40s who has been suffering from erectile dysfunction for many years.
"This is the first time for this procedure to be conducted in the region because it requires a rare specialized expertise, a sub-speciality in urology," Dr Ahmed Yousef, a consultant urologist and the lead surgeon for the procedure said.
Also Read:
According to reports, the patient had been put on other treatment options but he was not responsive.
The patient's condition is said to have been caused by severe venous leakage - a condition that makes a man's penis not erect long enough during intercourse - a common cause of erectile dysfunction in young men.
Research shows that penile implants - the insertion of two cylinders into the male organ together with a fluid-filled container in the abdomen and an inflatable pump in the scrotum - are the closest treatment for this condition.
"The procedure takes about an hour and involves implanting a prosthesis devise in the penis. The advantage of this procedure is that the patient can have intercourse anytime they like without using a medication," Dr Yousef said.
The procedure costs between Ksh800,000 and Ksh1 million involves the implantation of a prosthesis devise in the penis.
The procedure can also be used in the treatment of premature ejaculation.
