Nocturnal tumescence: a parameter for postoperative erectile integrity after nerve sparing radical prostatectomy.
OBJECTIVE
The exact process and time required for rehabilitation of erectile function after nerve sparing prostatectomy remain unclear to date. Different theories of the pathophysiology of postoperative erectile dysfunction are currently being discussed. In a prospective study we performed recordings of nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity during the acute phase after nerve sparing radical prostatectomy, ie in the first night after removal of the catheter, to assess the organic penile integrity.


METHODS
In 27 patients with local prostate carcinoma who had been sexually active before the intervention, we performed unilateral or bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. Preoperative sexual function of all patients was evaluated by the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. On the day of catheter removal (postoperative day 7 to 14) an NPTR recording was performed on the following night with an erectometer (RigiScan).


RESULTS
All patients had a preoperative IIEF score greater than 18. After removal of the catheter 25 of 27 patients (93%) showed 1 to 5 nocturnal rigidity increases by greater than 70% for at least 10 minutes. In a control group of 4 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy without nerve sparing, no nocturnal erections were recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
NPTR recording during the acute phase after nerve sparing radical prostatectomy showed residual erectile function as early as the first night after catheter removal. These results are significant for selecting adequate pharmacological treatment for optimal therapy and rehabilitation of satisfactory erections and sexual function. In cases of early nocturnal tumescence, application of a PDE5 inhibitor can support successive organ rehabilitation. However, if tumescence does not occur, penile injection therapy is recommended.
Bannowsky
Andreas
A
Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany. abannowsky@urology.uni-kiel.de
Schulze
Heiko
H
van der Horst
Christof
C
Seif
Christoph
C
Braun
Peter Martin
PM
Jünemann
Klaus-Peter
KP
D000368:Aged; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010410:Penile Erection; D011467:Prostate / Q000294:innervation* / Q000601:surgery; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*