[Treatment of impotence with suction pumps]

Suction erectors are not a new idea in the range of treatments available for impotence. However, urologists have been interested in them for less than 10 years, although they have been available in the U.S.A. since 1974. We describe the results of a series of 32 patients with a mean age of 54 years treated by a Erecaid Osbon pump. 84% of them suffered from organic impotence. The success rate was 66% with a mean follow-up of 6.6 months. No serious adverse effect was observed. However, minor problems were reported by 75% of users: inhibition of ejaculation, pain, cold or pivoting penis. This is a safe and effective treatment, provided patients are correctly selected, as cases of partial and psychogenic impotence have a much lower success rate: failure rate in the case of organic impotence: 30%, psychogenic: 40%, total: 26%, partial: 56%. The better results are obtained in patients suffering from organic impotence, in a stable couple and whose partners participate in the therapeutic choice. The literature is reviewed and discussed.