Radical prostatectomy, in any of its forms (open, laparoscopic, or robotic), is a procedure commonly performed in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and a life expectancy of at least 10 years.
Penile Rehabilitation After Prostate Cancer
Why is rehabilitation important after a radical prostatectomy?
This intervention can lead to specific treatment-related sequelae that affect quality of life, particularly sexual health. This functional outcome has become increasingly important with the more frequent diagnosis of prostate cancer in younger patients. Research has shown that approximately 25%-75% of men experience postoperative erectile dysfunction.
Post-radical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction is multifactorial. The injury to the cavernous nerves induces pro-apoptotic factors (loss of smooth muscle) and pro-fibrotic factors (increase in collagen) in the cavernous bodies. These changes may also be due to insufficient oxygenation secondary to alterations in the blood supply to the cavernous bodies.
Treatment for penile rehabilitation
The concept of penile rehabilitation emerged in the 1990s with the evolution in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Among its objectives is to develop several erections per week that allow proper oxygenation of the corpora cavernosa, preventing fibrosis, penile length reduction and venous leakage. The ultimate goal will be the prevention of these structural damages to improve the ability to recover basal erectile function. For this we use a multimodal treatment strategy combining oral drugs, vasoactive drugs and vacuum devices. Strict monitoring of these patients is important as they will require dose adjustments as they progress.
We help you recover your sexual health thanks to penile rehabilitation.
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