To assess the efficacy of vacuum constriction devices (VCD) following radical prostatectomy (RP) and determine whether early use of VCD facilitates early sexual activity and potentially earlier return of erectile function. This prospective study consisted of 109 patients who underwent nervesparing (NS) or non-nerve-sparing (NNS) RP between August 1999 and October 2001 and developed erectile dysfunction following surgery. The patients were randomized to VCD use daily for 9 months (Group 1, N ¼ 74) or observation without any erectogenic treatment (Group 2, N ¼ 35). Treatment efficacy was analyzed by responses to the Sexual Health Inventory of Men (SHIM) (abridged 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5)), which were stratified by the NS status. Patient outcome regarding compliance, change in penile length, return of natural erection, and ability for vaginal intercourse were also assessed. The mean patient age was 58.2 years, and the minimum follow-up was 9 months. Use of VCD began at an average of 3.9 weeks after RP. In Group 1, 80% (60/ 74) successfully used their VCD with a constriction ring for vaginal intercourse at a frequency of twice/week with an overall spousal satisfaction rate of 55% (33/60). In all, 19 of these 60 patients (32%) reported return of natural erections at 9 months, with 10/60 (17%) having erections sufficient for vaginal intercourse. The abridged IIEF-5 score significantly increased after VCD use in both the NS and NNS groups. After a mean use of 3 months, 14/74 (18%) discontinued treatment. In Group 2, 37% (13/35) of patients regained spontaneous erections at a minimum follow-up of 9 months after surgery. However, only four of these patients (29%) had erections sufficient for successful vaginal intercourse and rest of patients (71%) sought adjuvant treatment. Of the 60 successful users, 14 (23%) reported a decrease in penile length and circumference at 9 months (range, 4-8 months) compared to 12/14 (85%) among the nonresponders. However, in control group 22/35 reported decrease in penile length and circumference. Early use of VCD following RP facilitates early sexual intercourse, early patient/spousal sexual satisfaction, and potentially an earlier return of natural erections sufficient for vaginal penetration.

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Pelvic surgeries are among the most common causes of organic sexual dysfunction in men and women. The impact of nerve-sparing surgery on potency has been well documented in radical prostatectomy. However, its impact on potency needs to be evaluated in other pelvic surgeries. Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent even after multiple technical advances in the field of oncological surgeries. The prevalence varies from 8 to 82%, depending on the type of pelvic surgery. In females, sexual dysfunction has not been evaluated adequately using validated questionnaires. However, in subspecialized circles, treatment for female sexual dysfunction is becoming routine. Currently, physicians have several options for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Since the introduction of oral PDE-5 inhibitors, oral therapy has become the first-line treatment option for ED, irrespective of etiology. Currently available treatment options for the female sexual dysfunction include estrogens, androgens, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and dopamine receptor antagonists. Initial reports regarding the role of early rehabilitation are encouraging and may become the part of routine practice in the management of ED after pelvic surgery. In this article, we summarize the sexual dysfunction following pelvic surgeries and their management. International Journal of Impotence Research (2006) IntroductionErectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. 1 Several factors have been implicated in the etiology of ED. Vascular and neurogenic causes are the most common among them. Diabetes, smoking and hypertension are the most important risk factors for vasculogenic sexual dysfunction. Neurological dysfunction is mainly associated with certain neurological syndromes like autonomic neuropathy. Sexual dysfunction after pelvic surgery has been an important and underreported cause of ED. The pathophysiology of sexual dysfunction after pelvic surgery is unique because it can be either vascular or neurogenic factors alone, or a combination of both. The pelvic surgeries in males that are associated with considerable ED include radical prostatectomy (RP), radical cystoprostatectomy (cystectomy) and low anterior or abdominoperineal resections (APRs) for rectal cancer. The pelvic surgeries in females associated with sexual dysfunction include radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer, radical hysterectomy for cancers of the cervix and endometrium and, potentially, simple hysterectomy for benign tumors.In this article, we summarize male and female sexual dysfunction following pelvic surgeries for prostate, bladder and rectal cancer. We also discuss our experience in the treatment of sexual dysfunction following RP and RC. than 10%, urologists still report that the majority of patients experience ED following RRP. [3][4][5] Until recently, ED following RP was not an overwhelming concern, as most prostate cancers were detected in older men. 6 However, since the adven...