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Erectile function after cystectomy with neurovascular preservation

Vilaseca A, García-Cruz E, Ribal MJ, Pérez Márquez M, Alcaraz A

Actas urologicas espanolas, 2013

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To study the utility of neurovascular preservation for postoperative erection in radical cystectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 44 cystectomies performed at our center between January 2006-December 2009 in men <65 years. In 11 cases a neurovascular preservation was done. We analyzed age, BMI, indication for surgery, urinary diversion, use of i-PDE5 or alprostadil, and daytime and nighttime continence. Erection Hardness Score (EHS) was used to assess erectile function.

RESULTS: Spontaneous postoperative erectile function in preservation group was 44,4% EHS 4, 33,3% EHS 3 and 22,3% EHS 1 (achieving EHS 3 or 4 with alprostadil). In the non preservation group, 4,5% achieved EHS 4 spontaneously. The other 95,5% had EHS 0 (4,5% achieved EHS 3 with tadalafil 20 mg and 9% with intracavernous injections). Variables age (P=.001) and nerve-sparing surgery (P<.001) were related to postoperative erectile function recovery. In the multivariate analysis, nerve-sparing surgery remained statisticaly significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The functional results in preserving cystectomy are promising. The preservation should be considered in young patients without erectile dysfunction.

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.

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