Experience with the long-term effect of microsurgical penile revascularization

Fourty-two consecutive men underwent microsurgical penile revascularization for arterial insufficiency at least one year prior to this review. Data on the results of surgery were collected by questionnaire or telephone in 33 men (79%) with complete follow-up and by chart review in 9 men (21%) with partial follow-up. Success was measured as the ability to achieve successful intercourse on the majority of attempts without adjuvant therapy. Successful results are as follows: 19/36 (53%) at one year; 13/32 (41%) at two years; 14/26 (54%) at three years; 9/15 (56%) at four years; 4/10 (40%) at five years. Eight of 9 patients with partial follow-up functioned at last contact. Failures tended to occur early and successes appeared to remain stable over the time period studied. This long-term success rate speaks to a true benefit, and not a placebo effect, of penile revascularization in treating arteriogenic impotence.