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Early postoperative pelvic-floor biofeedback improves erectile function in men undergoing radical prostatectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 24, pages 174–178 (2012)Cite this article

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Abstract

Erectile dysfunction (ED) and urinary incontinence are common complications following radical prostatectomy (RP). Although pelvic-floor biofeedback training (PFBT) may improve urinary continence following RP, its effects on the recovery of potency are unknown. Fifty-two patients selected for RP were prospectively randomized for a treatment group (n=26) receiving PFBT once a week for 3 months and home exercises or a control group (n=26), in which patients received verbal instructions to contract the pelvic floor. Erectile function (EF) was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) before surgery and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Patients were considered potent when they had a total IIEF-5 score >20. Continence status was assessed and defined as the use of no pads. Groups were comparable in terms of age, body mass index, diabetes, pathological tumor stage and neurovascular bundle preservation. A significant reduction in IIEF-5 scores was observed after surgery in both groups. In the treatment group, 8 (47.1%) patients recovered potency 12 months postoperatively, as opposed to 2 (12.5%) in the control group (P=0.032). The absolute risk reduction was 34.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8–64%) and the number needed to treat was 3 (95% CI: 1.5–17.2). A strong association between recovery of potency and urinary continence was observed, with continent patients having a 5.4 higher chance of being potent (P=0.04). Early PFBT appears to have a significant impact on the recovery of EF after RP. Urinary continence status was a good indicator of EF recovery, with continent patients having a higher chance of being potent.

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Acknowledgements

This study was funded by a Grant from FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo, Brazil).

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  1. Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    C Prota, C M Gomes, L H S Ribeiro, J de Bessa Jr, E Nakano, M Dall'Oglio, H Bruschini & M Srougi

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Correspondence to C M Gomes.

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Prota, C., Gomes, C., Ribeiro, L. et al. Early postoperative pelvic-floor biofeedback improves erectile function in men undergoing radical prostatectomy: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Int J Impot Res 24, 174–178 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2012.11

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