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Low-intensity shock wave therapy ameliorates erectile dysfunction in men with pelvic fractures associated with urethral injury

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 31, pages 218–222 (2019)Cite this article

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Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in patients with pelvic fractures associated with urethral injury (PFUI). We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of low-intensity shock wave therapy (LiSWT) in ED treatment related to PFUI. Forty-three consecutive patients with PFUI who underwent surgical repair between January 2014 and March 2017 were sampled in Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. ED onset following surgical repair was initially treated with oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for six months. PDE5i non-responders were referred for LiSWT of six weekly sessions. Erectile function was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and Erection Hardness Score (EHS). Forty-three consecutive patients were enrolled in our study. ED was observed in 79.1% (34/43) patients following surgical repair. These 34 patients were given oral PDE5i (Tadalafil® 5 mg) daily treatment, 64.7% (22/34) patients restored erectile function to normal range (EHS: 3.4 ± 1.3, IIEF-5: 21.7 ± 1.0). The other twelve PDE5i non-responders were referred for LiSWT. Seven patients (58.3%, 7/12) remained unable to maintain the rigidity for full sexual intercourse. The other five patients reported allowing full sexual intercourse. Based on our results, LiSWT may ameliorate the ED in men with PFUI and shift PDE5i non-responders to responders.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, E-Da Dachang Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Chii-Jye Wang

  2. Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Yen-Man Lu & Tsu-Ming Chien

  3. Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Ching-Chia Li, Wen-Jeng Wu & Tsu-Ming Chien

  4. Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Tsu-Ming Chien

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  1. Chii-Jye Wang
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Correspondence to Tsu-Ming Chien.

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Wang, CJ., Lu, YM., Li, CC. et al. Low-intensity shock wave therapy ameliorates erectile dysfunction in men with pelvic fractures associated with urethral injury. Int J Impot Res 31, 218–222 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-018-0094-7

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