Megson Matthew, Li Chi-Ying

(274) VACUUM DEVICE USAGE AFTER A RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

  • Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
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Abstract Objectives Within the first year after a radical prostatectomy (RALP) the majority of men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) and penile shortening. One the treatments option is a vacuum device. Raina et al and Kohler et al showed that early use of vacuum device (VED) after a RALP facilitates early sexual intercourse, early patient sexual satisfaction and helped to maintain penile size. The aim of this audit is to assess the effectiveness and compliance of VED use in patients after RALP. Methods The patients who were attending the andrology clinic for ED treatment after a RALP at our Hospital were asked short questions (Table 1). Results 46 patients are included and asked the audit questions. The median follow-up time was 16 months (min=3, max=21). 96% (n=44) wanted a VED in their management plan and 87% (n=40) have received one. 85% (n=34) of these with the devise were prescribed via their GP, 7.5% (n=3) self-funded and 7.5% (n=3) had prescribed at the hospital. 77.5% (n=31) were using only for rehabilitation, 2.5% using only for intercourse and 20% (n=8) for both. 77.5% (n=31) told us it created an erection. However, 25% (n=10) of the patients stopped using the device during the follow-up period. 30% (n=3) due to pain, 40% (n=4) because they felt it didn’t work and the rest either for psychological reasons or they didn’t need it anymore. They had used it for a median of 5 months (min=2, max=8 months) before stopping. Conclusions A large proportion of men undergoing RALP are motivated to use a VED. Although a high proportion found it effective, only a small proportion use it for intercourse and the compliance rate is low raising the question of the cost effectiveness of routine recommendation of this device. Improved patient support and motivation is required for encouraging long term use. Conflicts of Interest No conflict of interest to disclose.

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