Revisions and reservoirs

[Old Guy]

Also one more thing, icing for the swelling. I am using a cold circulation machine that I had to use right after rotor cuff surgery a yr. Ago, I sit on the pad making sure there are no rolls in the pad to prevent circulation along with a ice bag that you fill with ice that I put on the top side, really works well.

Good you're doing well. That ice machine is a sweet piece to have. Therapy used one on my wife's knee to knock down the swelling. Helped a lot.

[wilsonmill]

Old Guy, it definitely worked well. I have very little to no bruising at all, still swollen however and this morning went for a walk around the block, I think it was too far too soon, but No Pain No Gain. My thinking anyway..

[nuance]

I suspect that attaching a different brand IPP, to a reservoir isn't possible. I doubt that the tubing is the same. Thus an adapter fitting would be needed. Too much involved so it'll be left in if you change brands.

This isn't like changing a kitchen faucet. Each company developed their own tubing.

Do we know for sure if it's the same, they can re-use the reservoir or is there a risk of infection? can we run out of space for adding a new reservoir?

[nuance]

I suspect that attaching a different brand IPP, to a reservoir isn't possible. I doubt that the tubing is the same. Thus an adapter fitting would be needed. Too much involved so it'll be left in if you change brands.

This isn't like changing a kitchen faucet. Each company developed their own tubing.

Do we know for sure if it's the same, they can re-use the reservoir or is there a risk of infection? can we run out of space for adding a new reservoir?

Anyone know the answer to this?

[wilsonmill]

My understanding is that the reservoir can stay in but a new one will go into a different place. My surgeon told me that he would look at it but don't count on it coming out as it will attach to your body and would be difficult to get out and could cause some issues if tried to remove. Thankfully he could remove mine. Now, there are alot of revisions and they are left in place with no issues.

[JohnHC]

I had my original surgery April 2023, and revision in June 2023 - only about 10 weeks apart. They left the first reservoir in place even though it was such a a short time. I think most of the time if it's your first revision they'll leave it in place and just place the new one on the other side, not sure how they handle it if you have a second one. But I'd think they'd remove at least one if they've already left one from before. If/when I get my next revision I'll find out if they remove one, both or leave them in place.

[nuance]

For a younger person who might need several, how will they manage? Can’t they just reuse it if the implant is of a similar type? Why introduce new one? Is the tubing to the reservoir pre-connected?

[JohnHC]

For a younger person who might need several, how will they manage? Can’t they just reuse it if the implant is of a similar type? Why introduce new one? Is the tubing to the reservoir pre-connected?

They won't reuse it. Problem is you don't know what all bodily fluids have infiltrated into the reservoir, which could cause the implant to have an infection. So it's a good idea that you use all new parts for the revision to lessen any chance of issues later. That fluid could clot or thicken and plug the tubing or ruin the pump.

[nuance]

How risky is it to remove the reservoir? In your case, I imagine it should’ve been easier cause it was only a few months to the revision. Why create a new incision and disturb the other side? Did the doctor say he’ll remove it in the next one?

[wilsonmill]

Shouldn't have to create another incision, my initial was through the scrotum and my revision was through the scrotum, one cut both times. Everything came out of that hole and everything went back in through the hole. Second time was so much easier though. To me if you can get a object out thats not performing a function you are better off, if it is possible.