Evaluation of clinical efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction rate after low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction: An Australian first open-label single-arm prospective clinical trial - Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and patient satisfaction rate with low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LiESWT) in Australian men with erectile dysfunction (ED), as LiESWT induces neovascularisation and potentially enhances penile perfusion and improves erectile function.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Open-label single-arm prospective study of patients with ED with five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scores of >12 at baseline were enrolled after informed consent. Patient demographics, change in IIEF-5 and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) scores, and overall satisfaction score (on a 5-point scale) were recorded. Treatment consists of 3000 shockwaves (1000 shockwaves to the distal penis, base of penis and corporal bodies at the perineum) twice weekly for 6 weeks.

RESULTS: All patients had tried and failed oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and most of the patients hah had ED for >18 months [mean (range) 21.8 (6-60) months]. No side-effects to LiESWT were reported. Most patients reported an improvement in IIEF-5 score by 5 points (60%) and EDITS Index score by >50% (70%). Most patients were satisfied (scoring 4 out of 5; 67%) and would recommend the therapy to their friends (80%).

CONCLUSION: LiESWT appears to improve erectile function, is safe and potential plays an important role in penile rehabilitation in men whom failed medical therapy.

Written by:
Chung E, Cartmill R.   Are you the author?
Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia; St. Andrew's Pelvic Medicine Centre, St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.

Reference: BJU Int. 2015 Apr;115 Suppl 5:46-9.
doi: 10.1111/bju.13035


PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25828173

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