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      Can Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Improve Erectile Function? A 6-Month Follow-up Pilot Study in Patients with Organic Erectile Dysfunction

      , , , ,
      European Urology
      Elsevier BV

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          Abstract

          Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) is currently under investigation regarding its ability to promote neovascularization in different organs. To evaluate the effect of LI-ESWT on men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who have previously responded to oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-I). We screened 20 men with vasculogenic ED who had International Index of Erectile Function ED (IIEF-ED) domain scores between 5-19 (average: 13.5) and abnormal nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) parameters. Shockwave therapy comprised two treatment sessions per week for 3 wk, which were repeated after a 3-wk no-treatment interval. LI-ESWT was applied to the penile shaft and crura at five different sites. Assessment of erectile function was performed at screening and at 1 mo after the end of the two treatment sessions using validated sexual function questionnaires, NPT parameters, and penile and systemic endothelial function testing. The IIEF-ED questionnaire was answered at the 3- and 6-mo follow-up examinations. We treated 20 middle-aged men (average age: 56.1 yr) with vasculogenic ED (mean duration: 34.7 mo). Eighteen had cardiovascular risk factors. At 1 mo follow-up, significant increases in IIEF-ED domain scores were recorded in all men (20.9 +/- 5.8 vs 13.5+/- 4.1, p<0.001); these remained unchanged at 6 mo. Moreover, significant increases in the duration of erection and penile rigidity, and significant improvement in penile endothelial function were demonstrated. Ten men did not require any PDE5-I therapy after 6-mo follow-up. No pain was reported from the treatment and no adverse events were noted during follow-up. This is the first study that assessed the efficacy of LI-ESWT for ED. This approach was tolerable and effective, suggesting a physiologic impact on cavernosal hemodynamics. Its main advantages are the potential to improve erectile function and to contribute to penile rehabilitation without pharmacotherapy. The short-term results are promising, yet demand further evaluation with larger sham-control cohorts and longer follow-up. Copyright (c) 2010 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          European Urology
          European Urology
          Elsevier BV
          03022838
          August 2010
          August 2010
          : 58
          : 2
          : 243-248
          Article
          10.1016/j.eururo.2010.04.004
          20451317
          919e6bbd-5695-4824-aae6-a73dc39cc4a0
          © 2010

          https://www.elsevier.com/tdm/userlicense/1.0/

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