CONTEXT:

Despite the recent improvements in performing radical retropubic prostatectomy that have led to a considerable decrease in the complication rate, erectile dysfunction still represents a major problem. Moreover, less invasive treatment options that are emerging for erectile dysfunction have not shown satisfactory results in managing these patients.

OBJECTIVE:

To study the efficacy and side effects of self-injection therapy in the treatment of men who had become impotent after undergoing radical prostatectomy due to prostate cancer, over a study period of 96 months.

DESIGN:

Observational study.

SETTING:

University Referral Center.

PARTICIPANTS:

168 patients with erectile dysfunction, aged 43 to 78 years old, who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy due to localized prostate cancer.

PROCEDURES:

The patients were treated with self-injection therapy using papaverine, phentolamine and prostaglandin E1, at home.

RESULTS:

This study showed an acceptable 94.6 percent success rate, with no life-threatening complications. In addition to this, our series presented a 13.1 percent cure rate with this therapy.

CONCLUSION:

Self-injection therapy with papaverine, phentolamine and prostaglandin E1 is effective and safe in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy