Prostatectomy and Its Effects on Erectile Function

Prostatectomy, a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the prostate gland, can have an impact on a man's sexual function. This can sometimes lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). However, a variety of treatment options are available to help manage this condition.

Role of PDE-5 inhibitors in Erectile Function Recovery

PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitors play a significant role in restoring erectile function after prostatectomy.

These oral medications include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).

They work by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical the body produces to relax muscles in the penis and increase blood flow.This, in turn, helps to facilitate erections.

Specifics about Cialis (Tadalafil) and Viagra in Post-Prostatectomy Treatment

Cialis, known generically as tadalafil, and Viagra, or sildenafil, are the most commonly prescribed medications for treating erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy. Cialis can begin to work within 30 minutes and can last for up to 36 hours, offering a longer window of effectiveness. Viagra, on the other hand, is known for its quick action and is often recommended for initial use.

Early Intervention and Rehabilitation Strategies Using PDE-5 Inhibitors

Starting PDE-5 inhibitors immediately after prostatectomy is a suggested strategy to achieve optimal recovery of erections after 2 years. This early intervention strategy is geared towards preserving penile length and cavernosal smooth muscle, which are crucial in maintaining erectile function.

The Potential of Cialis in Preventing Loss of Penile Length

Daily treatment with Cialis has been found to significantly decrease the loss of penile length among men who have undergone prostatectomy. This is particularly beneficial for men who have had a bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

The Timescale of Erection Recovery: What to Expect in 2 Years

Most men regain the ability to engage in sexual intercourse with or without PDE-5 inhibitors within 2 years after prostatectomy. However, this timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances, including age, overall health, and the type and extent of the prostate surgery.

The Psychological Aspect: Boosting Confidence with Erectile Dysfunction Pills

Taking a pill like Viagra can boost confidence as well as help with erections. However, it's important to note that the first try might be frustrating as the body adapts to the medication. Over time, most men find these medications helpful in restoring sexual function.

Limitations and Variances: Not All Patients May Benefit from Cialis or Similar Medications

While PDE-5 inhibitors have been found effective in many cases, not all patients may benefit from medications like Cialis or Viagra. Other treatments, such as injectable medications that pharmacologically induce an erection, mechanical vacuum devices, implants or vascular surgery may be necessary.

The Importance of Consultation: Discussing Treatment Options with a Doctor

Every patient's situation is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest a personalized treatment plan, considering potential benefits, side effects, and overall health condition.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

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About GreenLight: For men with bladder outflow obstruction due to an enlarged prostate, this technique allows genuine day case surgery with dramatic early results and minimal early side-effects.      Most men can now be treated without a post-operative catheter.  It is possible for prostates of all sizes to be treated. Even patients with retention of urine can go home the same day, sometimes with no catheter. Bleeding and recovery time are usually minimal.

As the first team in the UK to use the GreenLight system, and having pioneered and developed the GreenLight prostate vaporisation system in Europe, we have  now virtually given up other surgical methods of benign prostate surgery.

GreenLight Patient Information     How does it work?      

Information for GP's    Training Courses for Surgeons

Watch patient information video

By clicking on the flash image you will be able to watch a video where patients share their experiences and an explanation is given of the techniques. You will need to have Flash player installed to watch it.

To download our operation information (Adobe PDF) click here

 

If you prefer to read the information online then click here to go to our operation info page

   

 

NHS Innovation Awards

The adoption of this technique led to the NHS  clinical excellence award for innovation being awarded to King's College Hospital.

How does it work?

Although we had in TURP a very good and tested operation, there are side effects and costs associated with it. This led to many minimally invasive approaches over the last decade. Sadly most of these were abandoned due to or a high risk of pain or other side effects compared to TURP, or because they simply did not work!

Previous Attempts with Lasers

Many laser energies have been used in the prostate before now, but limitations on laser power have meant removal of significant amounts of prostate tissue (the real test) has been impossible or unfeasibly slow. The only two contenders for the TURP crown up until now have been prostate electrovaporisation (easy to learn but higher risk of infection, impotence and incontinence) and holmium laser prostate enucleation (as effective as TURP but extremely difficult to learn and associated with severe operative complications in all but the most expert hands).

The Greenlight HPS system from AMS addresses this problem by means of delivering a very powerful modulated  laser beam which is absorbed by the haemoglobin pigment in tissue. This means that when the laser is applied to prostate tissue massive localised heating of the tissue occurs resulting in instantaneous vaporisation: due to the laser -  characteristically bleeding is close to zero.

Our results show that prostates of any size can be treated, with most men seeing their symptoms improve by two or three fold in the first six weeks. Many men have continuing benefits developing up to nine months after surgery

The technique allowsrapid creation of a generous prostate cavity with almost no bleeding.  More than 50% of men can leave hospital on the day of surgery without a catheter, with most others having a soft small catheter for around 18 hours at home (many men remove this themselves)Althoughwe placed catheters post operatively in our initial evaluation period, only a few men have had to have a catheter for more than 12 hours (these have usually been in urinary retention patients, and nearly all have voided extremely well on final catheter removal.  Strikingly, very few patients report pain after the procedure: pain and burning on urinating have limited both laser techniques and TURP in the past. About one man in ten will get some burning which may need a fe weeks of simple painkillers to ease the discomfort. Sexual side effects are reduced compared to the standard technique.  While very long term results are awaited, the figures after five years of follow up show improvements in symptoms and urological measurements comparable to historical TURP data (about one man in fifty requiring reintervention each year).  In particular it appears the prostate tissue removal seen at the time of surgery is genuine when assessed by post-operative prostate ultrasound (between 40-60% of tissue reduction is seen).  

Post operative bleeding and discomfort can occur, but aremuch  less than with standard TURP, and many men have gone back to work or normal activities within a couple of days, with sport and other activities being possible within a week or two. Of course, some men do take longer to recover and those men with very overactive bladders or catheters pre-operatlively may take some time to settle afterwards.

Anticoagulation, large prostate size (>100g) and poor cardiac status are not contraindications to the procedure, even as a day case.

Our results have been presented at a number of international meetings including the European Association of Urology and the American Urological Association Meeting. In particular our data on large prostates and the absence of absorption of irrigating fluid has attracted much interest. Mr Muir isa founder member of the International GreenLIght Users' Group, which seeks to fine tune and improve further the results from this therapy.


IPSS Symptom scores changes following PVP to one year

The initial score of 23 on the IPSS system shows that most men were suffering severe symptoms which reduced by almost threefold within sixweeks.

Urine flow rates at the same stage and out to five years in our series showimprovements of more than 100%.  


 

 

 

 

 

 

GreenLight Training Courses at King's College Hospital

(for urological surgeons wishing to learn the technique)

 

Course director: Gordon Muir, Consultant Urologist

The course will be in the format of small group teaching with a mixture of didactic presentations linked to live 2 way videoconferencing observing a number of prostate vaporisations in the operating theatre downstairs from our conference room.. There will be an opportunity to visit our state of the art integrated operating theatres during procedures to observe the set-up and logistical issues relating to prostate laser surgery.

The objectives of the course will be that at the end of the course participants will be able to:

  • Understand the indications and contraindications for GreenLight PVP
  • Explain the mechanism of action and efficacy of high power KTP-YAG laser energy
  • Control an operating theatre with a GreenLight laser installation
  • Apply their understanding of the GreenLight PVP procedure to their clinical practice

Topics covered in the course include:

GreenLight PVP results

Previous lasers: problems and successes

Why green light? Laser physics and safety

Live cases

Theatre and nursing issues

Discussion: how to startup, avoiding complications

 

Certificates of GreenLight laser training and CME credits will be awarded to those who have successfully completed the training course. CME accreditation has been applied for.

Refreshments and lunch are included in the course fee

Course dates at King's College Hospital

6th April 2009

11th May 2009

8th June 2009

6th July 2009

 

Training video (NB this is NOT a substitute for attending a properly run course and having mentoring for the surgical technique)

for further information on courses contact [email protected]

 


Copyright (c) 1999-2001 GH Muir. All rights reserved.
[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GreenLight Training Courses

We are able to offer formal training courses for doctors interested in knowing about the GreenLight procedure. Formal half day courses are run in the Day Surgery Teaching UNit at KIng's College Hospital.

Programme for visitors to King’s College Hospitalfor GreenLight PVP training

 

Course director: Gordon Muir, Consultant Urologist

The course will be in the format of small group (max 10) teaching with a mixture of didactic presentations linked to live 2 way videoconferencing observing a number of prostate vaporisations in the operating theatre downstairs from our conference room.. There will be an opportunity to visit the operating theatres during procedures to observe the set-up and logistical issues relating to prostate laser surgery.

The objectives of the course will be that at the end of the course participants will be able to:

Topics covered in the course include:

 

Certificates of GreenLight laser training and CME credits will be awarded to those who have successfully completed the training course

CME accreditation has been applied for.

Refreshments and lunch are included in the course fee