This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) in the management of erectile dysfunction in diabetic patients with mixed vasculogenic and neurogenic causes as confirmed by nerve conduction and Doppler studies. This randomised controlled trial included 42 patients 41-55 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of erectile dysfunction and diabetic polyneuropathy. They were randomly allocated to one of two groups: shock wave group (n = 21) treated with Li-ESWT plus pelvic floor muscle training and control Group (n = 21) treated with pelvic floor muscle exercise and sham therapy by a shock wave. The erectile function was scored according to the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Colour-coded duplex sonography was used for the evaluation of penile perfusion of the two cavernous arteries. The assessment was done before and three months after treatment. IIEF-EF increased significantly in the study group (p < .001), but not in the control group (p = .194). Peak systolic velocity increased significantly in the two groups; however, the post-treatment peak systolic velocity was significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (p < .001, for both arteries).
Keywords: diabetic neuropathy; erectile dysfunction; extracorporeal shockwave therapy; penile erection; polyneuropathy.
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