Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction – a narrative review

Abstract

Objectives: To provide an overview of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LIEST) for erectile dysfunction (ED), pointing out which concepts are already consolidated and which paths we still need to advance. Materials and Methods: We performed a narrative review of the literature on the role of shockwave therapies in erectile dysfunction, selecting publications in PUBMED, including only relevant clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: We found 11 studies (7 clinical trials, 3 systematic review and 1 meta-analysis) that evaluated the use of LIEST for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. One clinical trial evaluated the applicability in Peyronie’s Disease and one other clinical trial evaluated the applicability after radical prostatectomy. Conclusions: The literature presents little scientific evidence but suggests good results with the use of LIEST for ED. Despite a real optimism since it is a treatment modality capable of acting on the pathophysiology of ED, we must remain cautious, until a larger volume of higher quality studies allows us to establish which patient profile, type of energy and application protocol will achieve clinically satisfactory results.

A new option in the treatment of erectile dysfunction highligheted in International Brazilian Journal of Urology

“…Dr. Vieiralves and collegues from Brazil, presented in page 428 ( 1 ) a nice review, the cover of the present edition, about the low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LIEST) for erectile dysfunction (ED) and concluded that literature presents little scientific evidence but suggests good results with the use of LIEST for ED. Despite a real optimism since it is a treatment modality capable of acting on the pathophysiology of ED, we must remain cautious, until a lar- ger volume of higher quality studies allows us to establish which patient profile, type of energy and application protocol will achieve clinically satisfactory results.…”