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[Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy for Peyronie's disease: A preliminary study of 32 cases]
Peng-Cheng Li1, Xin Chen1, Xiao-Bo Zhu1
1Department of Andrology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.
Objective:
To investigate the clinical effect of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) on Peyronie's disease.
Methods:
From October 2016 to December 2017, we treated 32 cases of Peyronie's disease by LI-ESWT, with the therapeutic index of 0.09 mJ/mm2 and a pulse frequency of 120 beats/min. Each plaque was approached from two angles, each angle with a shockwave output of 900 times, and the larger ones from three points, each with an output of 600 times in addition to 300 times from the distal and proximal ends of the plaque, respectively. All the patients received 12 courses of treatment (2 courses a week) with a break of 3 weeks between the 1st and 2nd 6 courses. Then we observed the plague size and penile curvature of the patients, obtained their scores on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5), and recorded their adverse reactions.
Results:
The plagues were softened or diminished in different degrees in 9 of the 32 cases and erectile pain was alleviated in 15 cases after treatment. Penile curvature at erection, however, showed no significant improvement. The IIEF-5 scores were increased in 18 of the patients complicated with varied degrees of erectile dysfunction after LI-ESWT. No obvious complications were observed in any of the patients.
Conclusions:
Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy has a certain effect on Peyronie's disease by relieving plague-induced pain and improving the patient's penile erection and quality of life.
Insights
Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) shows promise for Peyronie's disease, effectively reducing pain and improving erectile function. While plaque size and penile curvature saw limited changes, overall quality of life improved for many patients.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Peyronie's disease (PD) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by fibrous plaque formation, leading to penile curvature and erectile dysfunction.
- Current treatments for PD have varying efficacy and potential side effects, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) as a treatment modality for patients diagnosed with Peyronie's disease.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 32 patients with Peyronie's disease received LI-ESWT over a defined period, with specific parameters for therapeutic index and pulse frequency.
- Treatment involved multiple sessions targeting plaque areas, followed by assessments of plaque characteristics, penile curvature, pain (Visual Analogue Scale), erectile function (IIEF-5), and adverse events.
Main Results:
- LI-ESWT resulted in softening or diminution of plaques in 9 out of 32 patients and alleviated erectile pain in 15 patients.
- Significant improvement in penile curvature was not observed, but International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) scores increased in 18 patients with erectile dysfunction.
- No significant adverse complications were reported during or after the treatment course.
Conclusions:
- LI-ESWT demonstrates a therapeutic effect in managing Peyronie's disease, primarily through pain relief and enhancement of erectile function.
- The treatment appears to improve the overall quality of life for patients suffering from Peyronie's disease, despite limited impact on penile curvature.