Techniques to improve sexual function following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Penile rehabilitation aims at improving cavernosal oxygenation, preserving endothelial structure, and preventing smooth muscle structural changes. The most commonly adopted approaches for penile rehabilitation following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy are represented by phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is), intra-corporeal injection therapy, vacuum erection devices (VED), and the combination of these treatments. In this chapter, the most relevant studies concerning penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy will be analysed and discussed. Nowadays, many strategies have been developed to facilitate the recovery of erectile function. However, clear and validated protocols for penile rehabilitation after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy still have to be defined. A combination of modalities might provide optimal preservation of erectile function. On-going and future studies will elucidate who is the optimal candidate and which is the optimal program for penile rehabilitation. New therapies emerging from pre-clinical studies will improve the clinician’s armamentarium and increase the potential of penile rehabilitation.