Early penile rehabilitation following radical prostatectomy: Cleveland clinic experience

Int J Impot Res. 2008 Mar-Apr;20(2):121-6. doi: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901573. Epub 2007 Aug 9.

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most important quality of life issues following radical prostatectomy. The potency rates reported following nerve-sparing technique varies between 40 and 86%, and the time period required for complete recovery of erectile function varies from 6 to 24 months. The literature evidence suggests that lack of natural erections during this period of time produces cavernosal hypoxia. Prolonged periods of cavernosal hypoxia induce fibrosis, which later increases the incidence of venous leak. Recently, there is a growing interest among the physicians to interrupt these events by preventing cavernosal hypoxia during the period of neuropraxia. Initial studies using intracavernosal injection appears to be beneficial. In this article, we reviewed the pathophysiology of cavernosal hypoxia following radical prostatectomy with currently available evidence for the interventions to promote the nerve recovery and regeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alprostadil / therapeutic use
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Ohio
  • Penis / innervation*
  • Penis / physiopathology
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use
  • Prostatectomy / adverse effects*
  • Purines / therapeutic use
  • Recovery of Function
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasodilator Agents

Substances

  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Alprostadil