Role of sildenafil citrate in treatment of erectile dysfunction after radical retropubic prostatectomy

BACKGROUND: Sildenafil citrate was introduced as a treatment for erectile dysfunction in April 1998 in the United States and has been available since March 1999 in Japan. In this article, we assess the efficacy of sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Japanese men after radical retropubic prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. METHODS: Of 106 men who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between January 1994 and March 2000, 43 were prescribed sildenafil at their request after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Medication was initiated at 25 mg, and if this was ineffective, the dose was increased to 50 mg. Of the patients, 18 underwent bilateral and 21 unilateral nerve sparing (NS) procedures, while in 4 patients, a non-NS procedure was performed. These patients were interviewed using a questionnaire about their response to sildenafil and using the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-three of the 43 patients were eligible for evaluation of the efficacy of sildenafil and 27 completed the IIEF-5 questionnaires. Sildenafil at 50 mg had a better effect on sexual function than 25 mg in most Japanese patients. Of the 16 patients who underwent bilateral NS procedures, 10 (62.5%) had improved ability for intercourse and 3 (18.8%) had improved erections. Of the 13 patients who underwent unilateral NS procedures, 7 (53.8%) had improved ability for intercourse and 4 (30.8%) had improved erections. None of the 4 patients who underwent non-NS procedures had a positive response. Of 24 patients with positive response to sildenafil, 3 (12.5%) did not have to take sildenafil after receiving it because they did not require it for intercourse. Mean IIEF-5 score increased from 4.3 to 11.4 (P < 0.0001). Patient age, time since surgery, PSA and pathological stage did not have statistically significant effects on outcome. The most commonly cited adverse effect was headache (21%). CONCLUSION: Sildenafil is equally effective for erectile dysfunction in Japanese patients who have undergone bilateral and unilateral NS procedures, and aids recovery of natural erectile function after radical retropubic prostatectomy. However, non-NS procedure patients had no response to sildenafil. This study suggested that sildenafil is well tolerated and should be initially used for treatment of Japanese men with erectile dysfunction after radical retropubic prostatectomy.     

Effect of statin therapy on early return of potency after nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy

PURPOSE: We prospectively investigated whether postoperative statin use would contribute to earlier recovery of erectile function in men who underwent bilateral nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 potent men without hypercholesterolemia undergoing bilateral nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer were prospectively randomized into 2 equal groups. Group 1 patients were instructed to ingest only 50 mg sildenafil per day if needed following hospital discharge after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Group 2 patients were prescribed atorvastatin at a dose of 10 mg daily from postoperative days 1 to 90 and they were also instructed to ingest sildenafil, as in group 1. Patient status regarding potency and adverse events were assessed 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The 2 groups demonstrated no significant differences regarding various baseline factors, including International Index of Erectile Function-5 scores. Group 2 had a significantly higher postoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 score than group 1 at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.003). Meanwhile, as judged by a preset definition, the incidence of potent patients 6 months after prostatectomy was 26.1% in group 1 and 55% in group 2 (p = 0.068). Also, 17.4% and 40% of the men reported achieving intercourse by vaginal penetration without a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.172). No serious adverse events associated with medication were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative treatment with atorvastatin in men who report normal erectile function preoperatively may contribute to earlier recovery of erectile function after nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy.     

Effect of sildenafil citrate on post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction

PURPOSE: We assess the effect of sildenafil in a subgroup of patients after prostatectomy with erectile dysfunction and determine whether nerve preservation improves sildenafil response in this subgroup. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between April 1998 and January 1999, 53 patients who had undergone radical retropubic prostatectomy and were prescribed oral sildenafil were surveyed using a confidential mail questionnaire. Of the patients 21 underwent bilateral and 15 unilateral neurovascular bundle sparing procedures, while in 17 a nonnerve sparing procedure was performed. All patients received 25 to 100 mg. sildenafil in a flexible dose escalation manner. Response, satisfaction and side effects were assessed using a modified, self-administered International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. Response was defined as erection sufficient for intercourse. Preoperative and postoperative/pretreatment erectile functions were assessed for baseline comparison in each patient, and partner overall satisfaction with sildenafil was measured. Statistical data analysis was performed using analysis of variance and Newman-Keuls multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: Of the 21 patients who underwent a bilateral nerve sparing procedure 15 had a positive response. Of the 15 patients who had undergone a unilateral nerve sparing procedure 12 had a positive response, and only 1 of the 17 patients who had undergone a nonnerve sparing procedure responded to sildenafil. The most commonly reported adverse events of all causes were headaches (21%), flushing (8.3%), visual disturbance (6.3%) and nasal congestion (6.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil is an equally effective treatment for erectile dysfunction after bilateral and unilateral nerve sparing procedures, and patient response to sildenafil is confirmed by the partners. However, patients who undergo nonnerve sparing procedures do not respond satisfactorily to sildenafil.     

The efficacy of sildenafil citrate following radiation therapy for prostate cancer: temporal considerations

PURPOSE: Erectile dysfunction is a recognized complication of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Sildenafil citrate is a well-known management strategy for erectile dysfunction that has been found to be efficacious across a wide spectrum of comorbidities, including post-radiation erectile dysfunction. We defined the efficacy of sildenafil citrate in patients with erectile dysfunction following radiation therapy for prostate cancer and assessed the impact of the interval after radiation on the success of this therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline and followup data on 110 patients presenting with erectile dysfunction secondary to radiation for prostate cancer was obtained. A total of 68 patients underwent 3-dimensional conformal external beam irradiation (CRT), while 42 underwent brachytherapy (BT) without androgen deprivation. All patients were considered to have erectile dysfunction after radiotherapy, as assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and they were prescribed sildenafil citrate. Mean time +/- SD between the completion of radiation therapy and the initiation of sildenafil was 8 +/- 4 months. The response to sildenafil was assessed using the IIEF questionnaire. Within and between group comparisons were done for 3 time points, that is less than 12, 13 to 24 and 25 to 36 months following the completion of radiation therapy. RESULTS: The respective response rates in men who underwent BT/CRT at the 3 time points of less than 12, 13 to 24 and 25 to 36 months was 76%/68%, 54%/46% and 44%/38%, respectively. Mean IIEF erectile function domain scores for these 3 time points after BT/CRT was 26/23, 22/19 and 17/15, respectively. The percent of patients who achieved normalization of the IIEF erectile function domain at the 3 time points in the BT/CRT groups was 60%/50%, 48%/42% and 26%/19%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil citrate improves erectile function in men in whom erectile dysfunction develops following radiation therapy for prostate cancer. There is a clear time dependence for the response to this therapy with a stepwise decrease in all end points examined serially in a 3-year period.     

Vardenafil improved patient satisfaction with erectile hardness, orgasmic function and sexual experience in men with erectile dysfunction following nerve sparing radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE: Nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (NS-RRP) results in erectile dysfunction in a significant number of patients. Vardenafil, a potent and selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, is generally safe. It improves International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain scores, and penetration and erection maintenance success rates in patients who have undergone NS-RRP. We report additional parameters important to patient perceptions regarding erection quality and satisfaction with sexual experience following NS-RRP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 440 men at 58 centers throughout the United States and Canada participated in this randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial with 3 phases, namely baseline (4-week untreated period), treatment (12 weeks) and followup (7 days). Participants received placebo (145), 10 mg vardenafil (146) or 20 mg vardenafil (149) at home on demand but no more than once per calendar day. Efficacy and satisfaction with erection quality and sexual experience were determined during the trial. RESULTS: The 10 and 20 mg vardenafil doses were significantly superior to placebo for the International Index of Erectile Function domains for intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function and overall satisfaction with sexual experience (vs placebo p <0.0009). Significant improvement in the satisfaction rate with erection hardness were demonstrated for each vardenafil dose compared with placebo (p <0.0001). Vardenafil was generally well tolerated. Common adverse events were headache, vasodilatation and rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: In this difficult to treat population of men with erectile dysfunction subsequent to NS-RRP on demand treatment with vardenafil during a 3-month period significantly improved key aspects of the sexual experience important to patient quality of life.     

Bilateral nerve grafting during radical retropubic prostatectomy: extended follow-up

Objectives. To confirm the benefit of using an interposition sural nerve graft at the time of radical retropubic prostatectomy in an extended series of men with at least 1 year of follow-up. We previously reported the return of erectile function after resection of both cavernous nerves.Methods. Twenty-eight potent men with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with deliberate wide bilateral neurovascular bundle resection and the placement of bilateral nerve grafts. Erectile dysfunction questionnaires and patient interviews were completed at 6-month intervals. A minimum of 12 months of follow-up (mean 23 ± 10 months) was obtained for 23 men (mean age 58 ± 6 years). A control group of 12 men who underwent bilateral nerve resections, but declined nerve graft placement, was also followed up.Results. Of the 23 men, 6 (26%) had spontaneous, medically unassisted erections sufficient for sexual intercourse with vaginal penetration. An additional 6 men (26%) described “40% to 60%” spontaneous erections (fullness, no rigidity, not able to penetrate). Ten men (43%) had intercourse with sildenafil. No demonstrable erections occurred before 5 months postoperatively. The greatest return of function thus far was observed at 18 months after surgery.Conclusions. This surgical technique continues to show promise as an advance in prostate cancer surgery. The results of this study demonstrated recovery of erectile function in men who underwent bilateral nerve graft placement during radical retropubic prostatectomy when both cavernous nerves were deliberately resected.     

Preoperative erectile function is one predictor for post prostatectomy incontinence

AIMS: The precise etiology of post prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) is not fully understood and risk factors are not yet comprehensively defined. It has been reported that sparing of the neurovascular bundle during prostatectomy improves postoperative erectile function, whereas the influence on urinary control is unclear. From daily clinical experience we made the impression that patients who are in the best shape have better erections and better continence. We therefore searched our database for a possible correlation between the preoperative erectile function and the incidence of PPI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four hundred three patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy between January 2000 and May 2003 were enrolled into this retrospective study. Data of 327 patients (response rate 81%) at a median follow-up of 26 months were analyzed using the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF 5), the validated Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI6) and a standardized urinary symptom inventory. Continence was defined as usage of no or one pad daily. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) was defined as none/mild or moderate/severe with an IIEF 5 score of 17 or more or less than 17, respectively. RESULTS: Univariate and mulitvariate logistic regression analysis including preoperative IIEF 5 scores, age and nerve sparing prostatectomy, identified preoperative erectile function as significant predictor for PPI (P = 0.024), whereas age (P = 0.759) and nerve sparing prostatectomy (P = 0.504) did not predict PPI. CONCLUSION: Erectile function is a predictor of PPI and should be recorded preoperatively.     

Nocturnal tumescence: a parameter for postoperative erectile integrity after nerve sparing radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE: The exact process and time required for rehabilitation of erectile function after nerve sparing prostatectomy remain unclear to date. Different theories of the pathophysiology of postoperative erectile dysfunction are currently being discussed. In a prospective study we performed recordings of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity during the acute phase after nerve sparing radical prostatectomy, ie in the first night after removal of the catheter, to assess the organic penile integrity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 27 patients with local prostate carcinoma who had been sexually active before the intervention, we performed unilateral or bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. Preoperative sexual function of all patients was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. On the day of catheter removal (postoperative day 7 to 14) an NPTR recording was performed on the following night with an erectometer (RigiScan). RESULTS: All patients had a preoperative IIEF score greater than 18. After removal of the catheter 25 of 27 patients (93%) showed 1 to 5 nocturnal rigidity increases by greater than 70% for at least 10 minutes. In a control group of 4 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy without nerve sparing, no nocturnal erections were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: NPTR recording during the acute phase after nerve sparing radical prostatectomy showed residual erectile function as early as the first night after catheter removal. These results are significant for selecting adequate pharmacological treatment for optimal therapy and rehabilitation of satisfactory erections and sexual function. In cases of early nocturnal tumescence, application of a PDE5 inhibitor can support successive organ rehabilitation. However, if tumescence does not occur, penile injection therapy is recommended.     

Prediction of postoperative sexual function after nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy

PURPOSE: Preservation of sexual function is one of the main objectives in radical prostatectomy. We assessed possible predictive factors for postoperative sexual function including preoperative International Index of Erectile Function score, age and extent of nerve sparing procedures for more precise preoperative counseling of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and December 2001 a total of 694 patients with clinically organ confined prostate cancer underwent nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. Preoperative erectile function was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function score. After at least 12 months of followup patients were asked to answer the International Index of Erectile Function and Quality of Life Questionnaire C 30 via mail. RESULTS: A total of 411 patients responded to the questionnaire, 122 of whom underwent unilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy and 289 underwent bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. Data on preoperative and postoperative International Index of Erectile Function scores were available for 389 patients. Data on the International Index of Erectile Function and the postoperative Quality of Life Questionnaire C 30 were available for 382 patients. The median decrease in International Index of Erectile Function score was 7 points. Patients undergoing unilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy had a significantly stronger decrease in International Index of Erectile Function score compared to patients undergoing the bilateral nerve sparing procedure (12 vs 6 points). Preoperative International Index of Erectile Function score and extent of nerve sparing (unilateral vs bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy) were significantly associated with better postoperative sexual function whereas age was not. Based on preoperative International Index of Erectile Function score, surgical technique and age, the likelihood of postoperative satisfactory erectile function can be defined preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the impact of the extent of nerve sparing (unilateral vs bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy) and highlighted the effect of preoperative erectile function as measured by the International Index of Erectile Function and age at surgery on postoperative sexual function. Our data can be used for counseling patients undergoing radical nerve sparing prostatectomy regarding recovery of erectile function.     

Efficacy and safety of fixed-dose oral sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction of various etiologies

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of fixed-dose oral sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) of various etiologies. METHODS: In a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose study, 514 men (mean age 56 years) with ED were randomized to receive 25, 50, or 100 mg of sildenafil or placebo. The primary etiology of ED was determined to be organic in 32% of men, psychogenic in 25%, or mixed in 43%. Sildenafil or placebo was taken in the home setting approximately 1 hour before sexual activity, not more than once daily. Efficacy was determined by responses to question 3 (ability to achieve an erection) and question 4 (ability to maintain an erection) of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Other measures of efficacy included the five sexual function domains of the IIEF, a global efficacy question, event log data, and a partner questionnaire. RESULTS: Sildenafil significantly increased patients' ability to achieve and maintain erections (P <0.0001), with efficacy increasing with increasing dose. Significant improvements were also observed in the IIEF domains for erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall sexual satisfaction (P <0.0001). The proportion of subjects who felt that treatment with sildenafil improved their erections was significantly greater (67% to 86%) than that with placebo treatment (24%, P <0.0001). The proportion of successful attempts at sexual intercourse also increased significantly with sildenafil treatment (P <0.001). Partner responses corroborated patient reports. Sildenafil was well tolerated at the three doses studied. CONCLUSIONS: Oral sildenafil is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for ED of various etiologies.     

Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction following bilateral nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of tadalafil 20 mg, taken on demand, in men with erectile dysfunction following bilateral nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (BNSRRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled multicenter study consisted of a 4-week treatment-free run-in period (baseline) followed by 12 weeks of treatment. A total of 303 men (mean age 60 years) with preoperative normal erectile function who had undergone a BNSRRP 12 to 48 months before study were randomized (2:1) to tadalafil (201) or placebo (102). The 3 co-primary end points were changes from baseline in the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain score, and the percentage of positive responses to Sexual Encounter Profile questions 2 (successful penetration) and 3 (successful intercourse). The Global Assessment Question and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction questionnaire were secondary end points. We defined a priori a subgroup of 201 patients reporting evidence of postoperative tumescence, defined as 50% or greater "yes" responses to Sexual Encounter Profile question 1 (ability to achieve at least some erection) during baseline intercourse attempts and stratified randomization based on this criterion. RESULTS: Patients receiving tadalafil reported greater improvement on all primary and secondary end points (p <0.001) compared to placebo. For all randomized patients and for the subgroup with evidence of postoperative tumescence, the mean International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain score increased for patients receiving tadalafil (mean +/- SEM 5.3 +/- 0.5 and 5.9 +/- 0.7, respectively, p <0.001 vs placebo for both). For all randomized patients who received tadalafil, the mean percentage of successful penetration attempts was 54% and the mean percentage of successful intercourse attempts was 41%. For the subgroup with evidence of postoperative tumescence these values were 69% and 52%, respectively. Of all patients randomized to tadalafil 62% and of the subgroup patients randomized to tadalafil 71% reported improved erections. Patients receiving tadalafil reported greater treatment satisfaction on the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction than those receiving placebo. Headache (21%), dyspepsia (13%) and myalgia (7%) were the most commonly reported adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Tadalafil 20 mg, taken on-demand, was an efficacious and well tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction following BNSRRP.     

Is sildenafil failure in men after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) due to arterial disease? Penile duplex Doppler findings in 174 men after RRP

Sildenafil is frequently the first-line treatment for post-radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) erectile dysfunction (ED) with maximum treatment satisfaction rates of 43%-80%. The etiology of erectile dysfunction after RRP has been attributed to psychogenic, vascular, veno- occlusive or nerve injury causes. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the penile duplex Doppler arterial parameters in men with ED after RRP who failed sildenafil. The purpose was to assess whether sildenafil failure after RRP is associated with underlying corporal arterial disease. A total of 174 consecutive men presenting with sildenafil refractory ED after nerve-sparing RRP underwent color duplex penile Doppler evaluation with vasoactive injection. Mean age was 59.6 y and mean time from surgery was 11.6 months. Some 81% (141/174) of the men had no pre-operative ED (PED). Significant differences in penile duplex Doppler parameters for arterial disease were seen between men with and without PED. In men without PED, 19% (27/141) manifested arterial insufficiency. However, in men with PED, 50% (16/33) demonstrated arterial disease. Nerve sparing status did not affect the presence of arterial disease. Sildenafil refractory erectile dysfunction after RRP in men without PED is not predominantly associated with penile Doppler parameters consistent with arterial insufficiency.     

A dose-escalation study to assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate in men with erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate (Viagra, Pfizer Inc., USA) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study over a period of 26 weeks in men with erectile dysfunction of a broad spectrum of aetiology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 315 patients from five countries were randomized to receive treatment with placebo (156 men) or sildenafil (159 men). Significant concomitant medical conditions were hypertension (20%), a history of pelvic surgery (19%), diabetes mellitus (15%), and ischaemic heart disease (10%). Patients randomized to treatment received a starting dose of 25 mg of sildenafil or matching placebo, which could be increased to 50 mg and then to 100 mg of sildenafil, based on efficacy and tolerability. Assessments of efficacy comprised the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), including question three (ability to achieve an erection) and question four (ability to maintain an erection), a partner questionnaire, an overall efficacy question, and event-log data. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treatment, 26%, 32% and 42% of patients were taking 25, 50 and 100 mg of sildenafil, respectively. A similar distribution of doses was reported after 26 weeks of treatment. Treatment with sildenafil significantly improved the patients' abilities to achieve and maintain an erection compared with treatment with placebo (P < 0.001). Scores for four of the five sexual function domains of the IIEF (erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) also improved significantly (P < 0.001). There was a significant improvement in the mean score for the erectile function domain, regardless of the aetiology of erectile dysfunction (P < 0.001). After 12 weeks and 26 weeks of treatment, 82% and 79% of patients receiving sildenafil reported improved erections, compared with 24% and 23% of patients receiving placebo, respectively (P < 0.001). Treatment-related adverse events were mild to moderate and occurred in 27% of patients receiving sildenafil, compared with 8% of patients receiving placebo. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for men with erectile dysfunction of a broad spectrum of aetiology.     

Penile vascular evaluation and sexual function before and after radical retropubic prostatectomy: 5-year follow-up

Sexual dysfunction is common after surgery for prostate cancer. The aetiology of changes in sexual potency after radical prostatectomy is probably multifactorial, including neurogenic, vascular and psychosexual factors. A prospective study was designed to investigate haemodynamic and psychosexual changes before and after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for organ-confined prostate cancer. Penile haemodynamic evaluation and an assessment of sexual excitement were performed preoperatively and 3 months after RRP by colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) with visual erotic stimulation combined with a single intracavernous injection of a mixture of papaverine/phentolamine. Questionnaires on sexual function [International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)], general health and quality of life were sent to the patients preoperative, 3 months and 5 years after operation. Forty-eight men participated in the study. Mean age was 62.6 years (range 55-69). CDU did not show any significant reduction in mean peak systolic flow velocity and mean resistance index. From the men who preoperatively had normal arterial inflow 18% developed arteriogenic insufficiency. Some form of veno-occlusive insufficiency and low resistance indices were already present in the majority of normal potent men preoperatively. Surgical technique did not influence penile arterial blood flow after the operation. Three months and 5 years postoperatively, there was a highly significant reduction in erectile function, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction, orgasmic function and sexual desire. However, with respect to the outcome at 3 months there was a significant improvement of orgasmic function 5 years after operation, especially after a bilateral nerve sparing procedure. Erections sufficient for vaginal penetration (questions 3 and 4 of the IIEF, score >or=8) improved from 2% to 11% 3 months and 5 years after RRP respectively. Total IIEF score was significantly better after a bilateral nerve-sparing procedure compared with non-nerve sparing. No structural vascular changes were observed 3 months after operation. Vascular factors appear to be less important in the aetiology of ED after RRP. There seems to be a trend of a better improvement of sexual function over time, especially orgasmic function, in patients with bilateral nerve-sparing surgery.     

根治性前列腺切除术后勃起功能障碍的PDE5抑制剂治疗现状

前列腺癌根治性前列腺切除术(RRP)术后勃起功能障碍(ED)的发生率10%~100%,保留神经的根治性前列腺切除术(NS-RRP)术后ED也超过三分之一。5型磷酸二酯酶(PDE5)抑制剂可用于各种原因ED的治疗。西地那非、伐地那非和他达拉非临床应用显示对RRP术后勃起功能的治疗有相似的作用,保留双侧神经的患者,服用西地那非的有72%的成功勃起率(阴道插入);服用伐地那非20 mg和10 mg的反应率是71.1%和59.7%;服用他达拉非的所有患者,平均成功的插入率是54%,平均成功性交率是41%,术后有某种程度勃起的患者,平均成功的插入率和成功性交率是69%和52%。但未有三者对RRP术后ED治疗的直接比较。     

Factors affecting erectile function after radical retropubic prostatectomy: results from 1620 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE

To report the return of erectile function in 1620 consecutive men after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), chosen by half of men diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer, and the goal of which is to completely excise the tumour while preserving continence and erectile function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 1992 to October 2006, one surgeon performed RRP with a nerve‐sparing technique where feasible. Men with erectile dysfunction before surgery, salvage RRPs, those not having a nerve‐sparing procedure, neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy within 6 months of RRP and a follow‐up of <6 months were excluded from the analyses. Erectile function was evaluated by the surgeon when possible or by an annual questionnaire. Potency was defined as erectile function sufficient for intercourse with or without a phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitor.

RESULTS

Of 619 men who had a bilateral and of 178 who had a unilateral nerve‐sparing RRP, 72% and 53%, respectively, were potent. When stratifying by age groups (≤49, 50–59, 60–69 and ≥70 years) potency rates were 86%, 76%, 58% and 37%, respectively. Potency was more common after bilateral than unilateral nerve‐sparing RRP in all age groups (P < 0.001). Age, bilateral nerve‐sparing (odds ratio 2.9) and surgeon experience were associated with potency in a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

Careful patient selection and meticulous surgical technique are essential to achieve the right balance between cancer control and morbidity. The patient’s age, nerve‐sparing RRP and the surgeon’s experience were the significant predictors of return of potency after RRP.     

Efficacy and safety of flexible-dose oral sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Brazilian and Mexican men

A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of flexible-dose sildenafil citrate (Viagra) treatment (25, 50 or 100 mg) in Brazilian and Mexican men with erectile dysfunction (ED) of broad-spectrum etiology. Efficacy was assessed on the basis of responses to the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, completed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. At end point, mean scores for all IIEF domains of sexual function (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction) were significantly (P<0.0001) higher in the sildenafil group (n=109) than in the placebo group (n=105). These findings confirm the significant increases in frequency of penetration and frequency of maintained erections reported previously. Sildenafil treatment was well tolerated. The most common adverse events were headache and flushing. In conclusion, sildenafil is a well-tolerated and effective treatment for ED of broad-spectrum etiology in Latin American men.     

Contemporary appraisal of radical perineal prostatectomy

PURPOSE: In the age of minimally invasive surgery there has been renewed interest in the perineal approach for the surgical treatment of prostate cancer. We reviewed recent publications regarding radical perineal prostatectomy (RPP) in an effort to define its role in the current management of localized prostate malignancy. At the same time we reviewed the relevant perineal anatomy and surgical approach necessary to perform this operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a review of the literature with respect to RPP and included our own extensive experience with this operation, emphasizing patient selection, the current role of pelvic lymph node dissection, surgical anatomy, oncological outcomes and complications. RESULTS: RPP is an effective treatment for localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate with oncological outcomes similar to those of the retropubic technique. In comparison to RRP, patients undergoing RPP have less postoperative discomfort, more rapid return of bowel function, more rapid return to work and a decreased transfusion rate. In addition, RRP is now often performed with cavernous nerve sparing. Prostate specific antigen screening has made the rate of lymph node metastasis low enough to omit lymphadenectomy in many cases. CONCLUSIONS: There is still a role for RPP in the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Erectile dysfunction after nerve sparing and incontinence rates are similar to those of RRP. In addition, it is less morbid then RRP without being as technically challenging as laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.     

Efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction in Colombia,Ecuador, and Venezuela: a double-blind,multicenter, placebo-controlled study

The objective of this work was to assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) from Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. One hundred and fifty-eight outpatients with ED participated in a double-blind, flexible-dose, randomized-controlled trial. Efficacy measures included question 3 (achieving an erection) and question 4 (maintaining an erection) from the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the five functional domains of the IIEF, a global efficacy question, and patient event log. Sildenafil increased patients' ability to achieve/maintain erections (P<0.01). Seventy-seven per cent of sildenafil- vs 46% of placebo-treated patients reported improved erections (P<0.001). Sixty-five percent and 35% of intercourse attempts were successful among sildenafil and placebo patients, respectively (P<0.05). Sildenafil patients showed significant improvements in three of the five IIEF functional domains (P<0.05). Adverse events were reported for 51% and 33% of sildenafil and placebo patients, respectively. It can be concluded that sildenafil is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for ED in patients from Latin America.     

Combination therapy: medicated urethral system for erection enhances sexual satisfaction in sildenafil citrate failure following nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy

The objective of our study was to assess the effectiveness of combining medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE) with sildenafil citrate in men unsatisfied with the sildenafil alone. Baseline and follow-up data from 23 patients (mean age, 62.5 +/- 5.23 years) unsatisfied with the use of the sildenafil citrate alone for the treatment of erectile dysfunction following nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (mean use, 4 attempts/100-mg dose) was obtained. All patients started oral sildenafil citrate more than 6 months after radical prostatectomy. Combination therapy was initiated using 100 mg sildenafil citrate orally 1 hour prior to intercourse. Patients used combination therapy for a minimum of 4 attempts prior to assessment with the Sexual Health Inventory of Men (International Index for Erectile Function-5) and visual analog scale to gauge rigidity (0-100). The effect of therapy on the total International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) score and penile rigidity score was assessed. Of the 23 patients, 4 (17%) had no improvement with the addition of medicated urethral system for erection and discontinued the drug, while 19 (83%) reported improvement with the penile rigidity and sexual satisfaction. The IIEF scores of these 19 patients showed significant improvements in each sexual domain, and the patients reported that erection was sufficient for vaginal penetration 80% of the time. Rigidity scores on a scale of 0-100 with sildenafil alone averaged 38% (23-53) for men and 46% (26-67) for their partners. With the addition of MUSE, scores increased to 76% for men and 62% for their partners. We conclude that the addition of MUSE to sildenafil improved sexual satisfaction and penile rigidity in patients unsatisfied with sildenafil alone.