Saline-Filled Testicular Prosthesis

It also uses silicone

THURSDAY, Aug. 8, 2002 (HealthDayNews) -- For men or boys who are missing a testicle because of cancer or birth defect, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a saline-filled testicular prothesis.

The silicone, oval shaped device looks and feels like a natural testicle, but does not have any other function. The prosthesis, manufactured by Mentor Corp., is implanted in the scrotum.

The agency says the device should not be used if the patient has an infection or untreated cancer. And doctors should take extra care if:

  • The patient's scrotum is too small or damaged from prior surgery or radiation.
  • The patient has uncontrolled diabetes or poor circulation.
  • The patient wants to avoid future surgery to remove it. About 1 in every 30 patients has the implant removed in about a year because it moves too much in the scrotum, weakens the skin, or becomes infected.

For more information on side effects and treatments for testicular cancer, visit the National Cancer Institute.

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