(379) The Effectiveness of Low-intensity Shock Wave Therapy as an Emerging Non-invasive Management of Erectile Dysfunction Among Adult Males: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the penile inability to sustain erection necessary for sexual function due to physiological, psychological, or emotional factors. While the WHO promotes sexual health for all individuals, ED remains a major influence in attaining satisfying sexual performance among the aging population of men. The effective management and treatment of ED has been primarily pharmacologic and the research to support other non-invasive management such as low-intensity shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) is apparently limited. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled studies investigates the effectiveness of Li-ESWT for ED among adult males based on the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) score. Methods The literature search was conducted using the PubMed database. The search was limited to randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of Li-ESWT on ED, written in English from Medline and Nursing journals, and are publicly accessible without monetary cost published from 2012 to 2020. PRISMA guidelines were used as framework for literature search and review. The RevMan software was utilized for data collection and analysis. A fixed effect model was used in the meta-analysis. Results A total of 19 randomized controlled trials were reviewed of which three were included in this meta-analysis. There were total of 120 participants with overall mean age ranges from 41 to 61 years, 61 were enrolled in Li-ESWT group and 59 in the sham group. The heterogeneity of the data shows □2 = 7.70, df= 2, (p= <0.05); I2 = 74%, the overall effect is Z= 3.35, p = <0.05. This meta-analysis demonstrates that the control group (sham) was favored over the experimental group (Li-ESWT) (SMD= 0.64, 95% CI, [0.27, 1.02]) based on the mean IIEF score at the end of the studies. Conclusions The use of shock wave therapy in addition to pharmacologic and non-invasive modalities in the treatment and management of ED is promising. However, while the dearth of randomized clinical trials using Li-ESWT for ED management is evident, the decision to proceed with treatment is based on the informed and collaborative decision between the urologist and the patient. This review highlights that sham therapy is not inferior to Li-ESWT treatment. The urologists may consider the cost, adverse effects, time, and effort of using Li-ESWT provided that there is no significant difference in the effectiveness of Li-ESWT compared with sham treatment. Further research is needed to support effectiveness and safety of Li-ESWT in managing ED compared to current pharmacologic regimen. Disclosure No