Current status of penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy

Korean J Urol. 2015 Feb;56(2):99-108. doi: 10.4111/kju.2015.56.2.99. Epub 2015 Jan 30.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Erectile dysfunction; Penis erection; Prostatectomy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alprostadil / therapeutic use
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / rehabilitation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Penile Implantation
  • Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Prostatectomy / adverse effects*
  • Prostatectomy / rehabilitation
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Risk Factors
  • Vacuum
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Alprostadil