erectile dysfunction. Complex penile reconstruction with the concurrent placement of a penile prosthesis and/or graft material is a demanding operation that should be performed by surgeons with extensive prosthetic and reconstructive experience, as the risk of sensory loss, glans ischemia/necrosis, prosthesis-related complications, and failure to gain any meaningful length are serious concerns and cannot be underestimated. While surgical approaches remain the standard of care, they pose considerable risks and require prolonged postoperative rehabilitation. Obtaining proper informed consent and establishing realistic outcome expectations are imperative for successful postoperative outcomes.]]>
Congenital Abnormalities ; Contracture ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Humans ; Informed Consent ; Male ; Penile Induration ; Penile Prosthesis ; Penis ; Rehabilitation ; Sensation ; Standard of Care ; Surgeons ; Transplants

Vacuum erection device (VED), used to treat radical prostatectomy (RP)-associated erectile dysfunction, has attracted considerable attention. However, the optimal negative pressure remains to be determined. This investigation explored the optimal pressure for VED therapy in penile rehabilitation. Thirty-six 9-week-old male rats were randomly divided into six groups: control groups (sham group, bilateral cavernous nerve crush [BCNC] group) and VED therapy groups (-200 mmHg group, -300 mmHg group, -400 mmHg group, -500 mmHg group). BCNC group and VED therapy groups underwent BCNC surgery. Intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio was calculated to assess erectile function. Masson's trichrome (MT) staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, immunohistochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed to explore cellular and molecular changes of the penis. Compared to the BCNC group, ICP/MAP ratios in all VED treatment groups were improved significantly (all P < 0.05), but there were no statistically significant differences among VED therapy groups. With increased pressure, complications gradually emerged and increased in frequency. Expression of molecular indicators, such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), increased after VED therapy, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) decreased. In addition, VED therapy improved the outcomes of MT and TUNEL assay. This investigation demonstrated a pressure of -200 mmHg in a rat model is optimal for VED therapy for penile rehabilitation after RP. No further benefits were observed with increased pressure, despite an increase in complications.
Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Erectile Dysfunction/therapy* ; Male ; Penile Erection ; Penis/pathology* ; Pressure ; Prostatectomy/rehabilitation* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vacuum

This study aimed to evaluate whether adding a vacuum erection device (VED) to regular use of Tadalafil could achieve better penile rehabilitation following posterior urethroplasty for pelvic fracture-related urethral injury (PFUI). Altogether, 78 PFUI patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) after primary posterior urethroplasty were enrolled and divided into two treatment groups: VED combined with Tadalafil (Group 1, n = 36) and Tadalafil only (Group 2, n = 42). Changes in penile length, testosterone level, International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire, Quality of Erection Questionnaire (QEQ), and nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) testing were used to assess erectile function before and after 6 months of ED treatment. Results showed that the addition of VED to regular use of Tadalafil preserved more penile length statistically (0.4 ± 0.9 vs -0.8 ± 0.7 cm, P < 0.01). IIEF-5 score and QEQ score in Group 1 were higher than Group 2 (both P < 0.05). After treatment, 21/36 (58.3%) Group 1 patients and 19/42 (45.2%) Group 2 patients could complete vaginal penetration. Group 1 patients also had markedly improved testosterone levels (P = 0.01). Unexpectedly, there was no significant difference in NPT testing between two therapies. For PFUI patients with ED after posterior urethroplasty, the addition of VED to regular use of Tadalafil could significantly improve their conditions - improving erection and increasing penile length - thus increasing patient satisfaction and confidence in penile rehabilitation.
Adult ; Combined Modality Therapy/methods* ; Erectile Dysfunction/rehabilitation* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Penile Erection ; Penis/surgery* ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Tadalafil/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Urethra/surgery* ; Vacuum ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: There are many grey areas in the field of penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy (RP). The preservation of the full dimensions of the penis is an important consideration for improving patients' compliance for the treatment. We present the first case series of patients treated by laparoscopic extraperitoneal RP and simultaneous penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) in order to preserve the full length of the penis and to improve patients' satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2013 to June 2014, 10 patients underwent simultaneous PPI (with an AMS InhibiZone prosthesis) and RP. Patients were evaluated by means of urological visits, questionnaires, and objective measurements before surgery, at discharge from the hospital, on postoperative days 21 to 28, each 3 months for the first year, and each 6 months thereafter. The main outcome measures were biochemical recurrence-free rate, penile length, and quality of life. RESULTS: Ten patients (mean age of 61 years; completed the study follow-up period (median, 32.2 months). No difference was found between the time of surgery and the 2-year follow-up evaluation in terms of penile length. The pre-surgery 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) median score was 97. Patients were satisfied with their penile implants, and couples' level of sexual satisfaction was rated median 8. The median postoperative SF-36 score was 99 at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic extraperitoneal RP surgery with simultaneous PPI placement seems to be an interesting possibility to propose to motivated patients for preserving the length of the penis and improving their satisfaction.
Compliance ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Follow-Up Studies ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Male ; Orgasm ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Penile Implantation ; Penile Prosthesis* ; Penis ; Prostatectomy* ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Quality of Life ; Rehabilitation

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common male disease. Some related studies show that the prevalence of ED is nearly 52% in men aged 40 to 70 years and is increasing among younger males. Hypoxia is now considered to be an independent risk factor for ED and the mechanisms of hypoxia inducing ED are varied and complicated. Recently, an idea in penile rehabilitation has attracted much attention, which aims at improving erectile function by increasing oxygen supply to the cavernosum and reducing tissue fibrosis and apoptosis. The approaches to achieve non-sexual penile erection by increasing oxygen supply to the cavernosum, such as behavior therapy, medication, vacuum constriction device, and intracavernous injection, can simulate normal sexual erection and help patients with penile rehabilitation. This review focuses on the strategies for non-sexual penile erection in penile rehabilitation.
Adult ; Aged ; Erectile Dysfunction ; epidemiology ; etiology ; rehabilitation ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; complications ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Oxygen ; administration & dosage ; Penile Erection ; Penis ; blood supply ; Risk Factors

The vacuum erectile device (VED) uses negative pressure to increase blood inflow into the corpora cavernosum, with a ring at the base of the penis to maintain erection for intercourse or without a ring for penile rehabilitation. Owing to the limitation of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) shown in the treatment of refractory erectile dysfunction (ED), the use of VED has resurged and is becoming the first line therapy in the treatment of ED following radical prostatectomy (RP). Currently, the combination therapy of VED with PDE5I and that of VED with intracavernous injection are advocated for post-RP ED. Hereby, we review the role of VED in penile rehabilitation, its underlying mechanisms, and the combination therapies for it.
Coitus ; Combined Modality Therapy ; methods ; Erectile Dysfunction ; drug therapy ; etiology ; rehabilitation ; Humans ; Male ; Penile Prosthesis ; Penis ; blood supply ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors ; therapeutic use ; Prostatectomy ; adverse effects ; Regional Blood Flow ; Vacuum

Although disease-free survival remains the primary goal of prostate cancer treatment, erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a common complication that affects the quality of life. Even though several preventive and therapeutic strategies are available for ED after radical prostatectomy (RP), no specific recommendations have been made on the optimal rehabilitation or treatment strategy. Several treatment options are available, including phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, intracavernosal or intraurethral prostaglandin injections, and penile prostheses. Urologists must consider more effective ways to establish optimal treatments for ED after RP. ED is an important issue among patients with prostate cancer, and many patients hope for early ED recovery after surgery. This review highlights the currently available treatment options for ED after RP and discusses the limitations of each.
Alprostadil/therapeutic use ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology/*rehabilitation ; Humans ; Male ; Penile Implantation ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Prostatectomy/*adverse effects/rehabilitation ; Prostatic Neoplasms/*surgery ; Risk Factors ; Vacuum ; Vasodilator Agents/therapeutic use

Prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and rectal cancer are common malignancies in the male pelvis. The incidence rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical prostatectomy, cystectomy or rectal cancer surgery is about 25% - 100%. The main cause of post-surgery ED is mainly attributed to injury of neurovascular bundles, which may lead to reduced oxygenation in and fibrosis of the penile tissue. Early penile rehabilitation after surgery can improve or restore the erectile function of the patients. This article focuses on penile rehabilitation after radical pelvic surgery.
Cystectomy ; Erectile Dysfunction ; etiology ; rehabilitation ; Humans ; Male ; Pelvic Neoplasms ; surgery ; Penile Erection ; Penis ; Postoperative Complications ; rehabilitation ; Postoperative Period ; Prostatectomy ; adverse effects ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; surgery ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; surgery

PURPOSE: Climacturia is involuntary loss of urine during orgasm. The mechanism of climacturia in men who undergo radical prostatectomy (RP) is not fully understood, while deficiency in bladder neck coaptation during orgasm may be the cause. We evaluated the prevalence and risk factors of climacturia after RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of prostate cancer patients who underwent RP from 2002 to 2013 and was able to have a vaginal intercourse postoperatively. RP was conducted using open or robot-assisted approach. We analysed the symptoms of climacturia, relationship between climacturia and several clinical factors. Also, we tried to find factors to predict the presence of climacturia. RESULTS: Total of 123 patients were analyzed in this study. The median age of the men was 65 year and postoperative follow-up period for the interview was 37 months. Of the total 123 patients, 29 (23.6%) complained of the climacturia. In climacturia group, robot-assisted RP (p=0.018), nerve-sparing (p=0.046) and penile rehabilitation (p=0.012) were significantly less frequent, and more pad were comsumed (p=0.001) compared to non-climacturia group. On multivariable analysis, post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) (OR 6.49, p=0.004) and penile rehabilitation (OR 0.22, p=0.036) were significant factors to predict the presence of climacturia. CONCLUSIONS: Climacturia occurs in more than 20% patients who were potent enough after RP in our study. PPI and penile rehabilitation were positive and negative factor to predict an occurrence of climacturia, respectively. Therefore, in addition to PPI and erectile dysfunction, patients must be informed of this complication before undergoing RP.
Erectile Dysfunction ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Medical Records ; Neck ; Orgasm ; Prevalence ; Prostatectomy* ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Rehabilitation ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Incontinence

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an almost unavoidable complication of radical prostatectomy. At present, though the concept of penile rehabilitation (PR) is accepted by most clinicians, the outcomes of erectile function recovery vary widely. Prostacyclin (PGI2) is a prostanoid and a main vasoprotectant which induces smooth muscle relaxation, but not used for replacement therapy because of its high unstability. SuperEnzyme is capable of continuous, specific and targeted promotion of PGI2 synthesis, and helps PR in ED patients after radical prostatectomy. SuperEnzyme gene therapy has a promising prospect for PR and the management of ED. This review updates SuperEnzyme gene therapy in PR.
Enzyme Therapy ; Epoprostenol ; Erectile Dysfunction ; rehabilitation ; therapy ; Genetic Therapy ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Penile Erection ; Penis ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; metabolism