AB003. Erectile dysfunction (ED) after radical prostatectomy: mile stones in development of rehabilitation strategy

Abstract: Radical Prostatectomy is a commonly used treatment modality for localized prostate cancer. The nerve-sparing technique was one of the major break-troughs in the last century with the hope to preserve erectile function. Unfortunately, despite the perfection of nerve-sparing surgery with robot, many men still suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) as a complication of prostatectomy. In the last two decades, the concept of penile rehabilitation was introduced and many therapeutic approaches have been studied with the aim to promote erectile function recovery. Despite the understanding of the mechanisms and well-established rationale for post-prostatectomy penile rehabilitation, there is still no consensus regarding effective rehabilitation programs. This presentation will provide an overview of the mile stones in basic, translational and clinical research aimed at preserving or promoting erectile function after radical prostatectomy. The contemporary series of trials that assess penile rehabilitation and explore treatment modalities that might play a role in the future will also be analyzed. Although recent trials have shown that most therapies are well-tolerated and aid in some degree on EF recovery, we currently do not have tangible evidence to recommend an irrefutable penile rehabilitation algorithm. However, advancements in research and technology will ultimately create and refine management options for penile rehabilitation.

Keywords: Mile stones; erectile dysfunction (ED); radical prostatectomy