Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) remains the most common and challenging postoperative complication after radical prostatectomy, a key treatment for prostate cancer. To address this, various rehabilitation methods, such as PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) and penile pumps, are recommended in the early postoperative months to promote recovery. Recently, the potential role of vibrating devices in enhancing nerve recovery has gained attention. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) is frequently used to assess outcomes across domains like erectile function, sexual desire and overall sexual satisfaction.
In this study, 16 male patients who underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) were enrolled. The participants, aged 53 to 72, had undergone either partial or full nerve-sparing surgery. Each patient was instructed to use the Tenuto 2 vibrating device daily, applying it for at least five minutes set to a 100 Hz continuous vibration pattern. Additionally, all patients were prescribed a penile pump and a daily dose of tadalafil 5 mg for a minimum of three months. The efficacy of these interventions was measured using the IIEF questionnaire, focusing on the erectile function domain, both preoperatively and six months postoperatively.
The mean age of the participants was 62. Preoperative IIEF erectile function scores averaged 22 (ranging from 18 to 25), indicating mild erectile dysfunction. At six months postoperatively, the mean score improved to 19 (11-23), demonstrating partial recovery of erectile function. Most patients (15 out of 16) found the device easy to use, with four choosing to discontinue the penile pump in favour of continuing with the vibrating device alone. Additionally, 13 patients reported improved intimacy and communication with their partners during the recovery period.
The Tenuto 2 vibrating device appears to play a valuable role in post-RARP erectile function rehabilitation, as evidenced by improvements in IIEF scores. This device, in combination with other established rehabilitation methods, has shown promise in facilitating recovery. The positive feedback from patients regarding ease of use and enhanced partner intimacy further underscores its potential as a novel adjunct in the postoperative sexual recovery process.
Industry funding only -investigator initiated and executed study.
