Given the high prevalence of erectile dysfunction in male population between 40-70 years old and the effect of radical prostatectomy on this domain, it is important to perform a baseline study.
Prior radical prostatectomy, erectile function has been assessed prospectively in 112 prostate cancer patients using the erectile function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (EF-IIEF), Erectile Hardness Score (EHS) and a penile doppler ultrasound (PDUS). Comorbidities and Charlson index were collected. The EORTC QLQ C-30 and PR-25 tests were administered.
According to EF-IIEF questionnaire, 50.9% of patients showed normal EF and EHS grade 3-4 erection was achieved in the 75.9%. PDUS was normal only in 28.6% of patients and 51.8% showed arterial insufficiency. We found a significant association (P<.0001) between categorized EF-IIEF (normal, mild/moderate/severe) and the EHS value. Between PDUS (normal vs. pathologic) and EHS (3-4 vs. 1-2) statistically significant association (P=.005) was found. Just 35.3% of patients with EHS 3-4 showed normal PDUS. Correlation between the PDUS and the EF-IIEF (≥26 vs.<26) was statistically significant (P=.043). Moreover, only 38.6% of patients with EF-IIEF≥26 had a normal PDUS.
In order to predict EF recovery after surgery, global assessment is required. Solely self-administered tests are not enough. In this baseline study, PDUS can play an important role.
Actas urologicas espanolas. 2018 Oct 22 [Epub ahead of print]
J Muñoz-Rodríguez, N Hannaoui, A Domínguez, C Centeno, V Parejo, M A Rosado, J Prats, S Navarro
Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Barcelona, España. Electronic address: ., Servicio de Urología, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Barcelona, España., Servicio de Cirugía General y Digestiva, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Barcelona, España.