Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Prosthetic testicle, Testicular implant, Testicle implant, Artificial testicle, Fake testicle, Prosthetic testes.¹
Definition
A testicular prosthesis is an artificial, human-made device designed to replace a testicle that is absent from birth or has been surgically removed (orchiectomy) due to injury, disease, or other medical conditions.¹ It is an implant that fills the empty space in the scrotum, the sac behind the penis that normally holds the testicles.¹ The primary purpose of a testicular prosthesis is to restore the natural appearance of the scrotum and address the psychological concerns or distress that can arise from a missing testicle, thereby improving self-image and quality of life.² It is important to note that a testicular prosthesis does not replicate the biological functions of a natural testicle, such as producing sperm or testosterone.¹
Modern testicular prostheses are typically made of a soft silicone rubber shell and are filled with saline (salt water) or silicone gel, designed to mimic the weight, shape, and feel of a natural testicle.¹ They are available in various sizes to allow for a suitable match to the patient’s anatomy.¹ The ideal prosthesis should be biocompatible (no chemical reactivity), non-inflammatory, resistant to mechanical stress, sterile, able to maintain its shape, and comfortable for the patient during daily activities.¹
Clinical Context
A testicular prosthesis is clinically indicated for individuals who have experienced the loss of one or both testicles, or who were born without them. Common reasons for testicular loss (requiring orchiectomy) include testicular cancer, testicular torsion (untreated), undescended testicles (cryptorchidism), severe testicular atrophy, epididymitis leading to testicular damage, or trauma.² The placement of a testicular prosthesis is typically performed to mitigate the psychosocial burden associated with testicular loss, such as feelings of altered body image, loss of masculinity, shame, or humiliation, and to improve overall quality of life and self-esteem.²
The patient selection criteria generally involve individuals who are psychologically affected by the absence of a testicle and desire a more natural cosmetic appearance. The decision to undergo testicular prosthesis placement (TPP) is often influenced by provider counseling.²
The surgical procedure for implanting a testicular prosthesis is generally straightforward and usually takes less than an hour. It can be performed under general or local anesthesia.¹ The surgeon makes an incision in the lower groin or upper scrotum, creates a pouch in the scrotum, places the appropriately sized prosthesis into the pouch, and sutures it into place to ensure correct positioning. The incision is then closed with sutures.¹ It is often an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient can typically go home the same day.¹
Expected outcomes are generally positive, with many patients reporting satisfaction with the cosmetic result and an improvement in self-confidence.² However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, though uncommon, including infection, bleeding, hematoma (blood clot) in the scrotum, implant extrusion, or dissatisfaction with the size, position, or feel of the implant.²,³ If implanted before puberty, the prosthesis may need to be replaced later with an adult-sized one.³