Related Experiment Videos
Combining intracavernous injection and external vacuum as treatment for erectile dysfunction
J Chen1, M F Godschalk, P G Katz
1Division of Urology, Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
The Journal of Urology
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Combining vacuum devices with intracavernous injections significantly improves erectile rigidity in men unresponsive to single therapies. This combination therapy offers a viable alternative before considering penile implants.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects numerous men, impacting quality of life.
- Previous treatments like vacuum devices and intracavernous injections often fail as monotherapy.
- Exploring combination therapies is crucial for refractory ED cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of combining external vacuum therapy with intracavernous injections for ED.
- To assess penile rigidity parameters before and after combined treatment modalities.
Main Methods:
- Ten men with ED refractory to single therapies participated.
- Penile length, circumference, and buckling pressure were measured.
- Measurements were taken at baseline, with vacuum alone, with intracavernous injection alone, and with combination therapy.
Main Results:
- No patient achieved adequate rigidity (buckling pressure > 450 gm) with single therapy (vacuum: 125.0 ± 53.6 gm; injection: 117.0 ± 38.3 gm).
- All 10 subjects achieved significantly improved rigidity with combination therapy (565.0 ± 56.8 gm; p < 0.0001).
- Long-term follow-up showed sustained satisfaction in 3 patients, with others discontinuing due to various reasons.
Conclusions:
- External vacuum devices effectively augment intracavernous injection responses in ED.
- Combination therapy represents a promising alternative treatment for ED before penile prosthesis implantation.