Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy: a critical review

Int J Impot Res. 2019 May;31(3):231-238. doi: 10.1038/s41443-019-0121-3. Epub 2019 Feb 1.

Abstract

Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) to the penis has recently emerged as novel therapeutic option in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Randomized-controlled studies investigating the effect of this new treatment modality revealed promising results in men with vasculogenic ED. However, the efficacy of LI-ESWT in men who develop ED following radical prostatectomy (RP) remains obscure due to the exclusion of this group in nearly all clinical trials. In this review, the authors synthesize the findings from available preclinical and clinical studies that examine the potential utility of LI-ESWT in men with post-RP ED.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy*
  • Prostatectomy / adverse effects
  • Ultrasonic Therapy*