Objective: Erectile dysfunction (ED) follow- ing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is an important problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of and patient sat- isfaction with intracavernosal alprostadil used in the treatment of ED.
Material and Methods: Patients using in- tracavernosal alprostadil in the treatment of ED following RARP were assessed retrospectively. Pa- tients’ demographic characteristics, pre- and post- operative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, and general satisfaction evaluated using questions 13 and 14 of the IIEF form were all recorded. Complications developing during treatment, dosages used, and reasons for discon- tinuation were investigated.
Results: Thirty-four patients with a mean age of 61.73±5.80 years were included in the study. Preoperative ED was determined in 52.9% (n=18) of patients. The mean IEFF of the patients who used preoperative, postoperative 1st month, post- operative 3 months after tadalafil use and intracav- ernosal alprostadil was 20.64 ± 3.46, 15.08 ± 2.09,
15.32 ± 2.18, 26.67 ± 2.30, respectively. The mean length of use of intracavernosal alprostadil was 8.20±2.48 months, and full erection was achieved in 70.58% of patients. Hematoma associated with intracavernosal alprostadil use developed in 2.9% of patients, ecchymosis in 8.8%, and pain in 8.8%. In addition, 73.5% of patients continued to take their medication during the follow-up process. Patients’ general satisfaction following alprostadil therapy was statistically significantly high.
Conclusion: Intracavernosal alprostadil therapy following RARP represents a good therapeutic option due to its high success in achieving full erection, low complication rates, and high patient satisfaction.
Keywords: Alprostadil, erectile dysfunction, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Erectile dysfunction (ED) follow- ing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is an important problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of and patient sat- isfaction with intracavernosal alprostadil used in the treatment of ED.
Material and Methods: Patients using in- tracavernosal alprostadil in the treatment of ED following RARP were assessed retrospectively. Pa- tients’ demographic characteristics, pre- and post- operative International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, and general satisfaction evaluated using questions 13 and 14 of the IIEF form were all recorded. Complications developing during treatment, dosages used, and reasons for discon- tinuation were investigated.
Results: Thirty-four patients with a mean age of 61.73±5.80 years were included in the study. Preoperative ED was determined in 52.9% (n=18) of patients. The mean IEFF of the patients who used preoperative, postoperative 1st month, post- operative 3 months after tadalafil use and intracav- ernosal alprostadil was 20.64 ± 3.46, 15.08 ± 2.09,
15.32 ± 2.18, 26.67 ± 2.30, respectively. The mean length of use of intracavernosal alprostadil was 8.20±2.48 months, and full erection was achieved in 70.58% of patients. Hematoma associated with intracavernosal alprostadil use developed in 2.9% of patients, ecchymosis in 8.8%, and pain in 8.8%. In addition, 73.5% of patients continued to take their medication during the follow-up process. Patients’ general satisfaction following alprostadil therapy was statistically significantly high.
Conclusion: Intracavernosal alprostadil therapy following RARP represents a good therapeutic option due to its high success in achieving full erection, low complication rates, and high patient satisfaction.
Keywords: Alprostadil, erectile dysfunction, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.