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Intracavernous injection in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: an observational study
J de A Claro1, J E de Aboim, M Maríngolo
1Urology Department, Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina, São Paulo, Brazil. joaquimclaro@hotmail.com
Context:
Despite the recent improvements in performing radical retropubic prostatectomy that have led to a considerable decrease in the complication rate, erectile dysfunction still represents a major problem. Moreover, less invasive treatment options that are emerging for erectile dysfunction have not shown satisfactory results in managing these patients.
Objective:
To study the efficacy and side effects of self-injection therapy in the treatment of men who had become impotent after undergoing radical prostatectomy due to prostate cancer, over a study period of 96 months.
Design:
Observational study.
Setting:
University Referral Center.
Participants:
168 patients with erectile dysfunction, aged 43 to 78 years old, who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy due to localized prostate cancer.
Procedures:
The patients were treated with self-injection therapy using papaverine, phentolamine and prostaglandin E1, at home.
Results:
This study showed an acceptable 94.6% success rate, with no life-threatening complications. In addition to this, our series presented a 13.1% cure rate with this therapy.
Conclusion:
Self-injection therapy with papaverine, phentolamine and prostaglandin E1 is effective and safe in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy.