Rationale for phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor use post-radical prostatectomy: experimental and clinical review.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication after radical prostatectomy and results from trauma sustained by the cavernosal nerves. This is a major concern for patients and often affects treatment decisions. The likely mechanism for post-prostatectomy ED is through corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction. There is an increasing amount of evidence to suggest that phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), when given on a continuous long-term basis, can help to prevent and reverse ED after surgery. In this review article we will examine the pathophysiology of post-prostatectomy ED and discuss the experimental and available clinical evidence for administering PDE5 inhibitors after prostatectomy.
Division of Urology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90509, USA.
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A
Rambhatla
I
I
Kovanecz
M
M
Ferrini
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NF
Gonzalez-Cadavid
J
J
Rajfer
D054706:Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5 / Q000378:metabolism*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology; D010413:Penis / Q000294:innervation; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D054706:Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases, Type 5