(432) Efficacy of Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy on Hard Flaccid Syndrome: Initial Report of Three Cases

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Hard flaccid syndrome (HFS) is characterized by chronic pain in the penis and perineum and firmness or rigidity of the penis even while not erect and may have a devastating impact on patient sexual quality of life. Although this syndrome has been discussed in myriad patient forums, there is no established evidence-based definition nor specific standard established treatment modalities in the literature. Current treatment options may include a combination of medical pain management, pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback, and stress reduction. In patients with other chronic pain conditions who fail traditional therapies, low-intensity shock wave therapy (LiSWT) has been increasingly utilized as management with positive response. We report a series of three patients with managed with LiSWT. Objective To report our initial experience of men with HFS managed with LiSWT. Methods Three patients, aged 36, 24, and 20 diagnosed with HFS were treated with LiSWT for a course of six sessions. In each session, LiSWT settings were: energy flux density of 0.13 mJ/mm2 and frequency of 3 Hz. While penis was held in stretched position, 600 shocks were delivered to each of the dorsum, left, ventral, and right aspects of penis along the shaft. The scrotum was then held up, and 600 shocks were delivered to each of the right and left crural areas, adding up to 3600 total number of shocks that were allocated evenly. All patients answered a questionnaire to assess improvement in symptoms after completion of the treatment sessions (Table 1). Results All patients reported initially alleviated symptoms after 3 treatment sessions, particularly with respect to penile rigidity in the flaccid state. Patient 1 elected for a combination of LiSWT and tadalafil. 5 months after treatment completion, Patient 1 has had complete resolution of HFS symptoms. Patient 2 had no response with tadalfil alone before he elected for LiSWT only, and patient 3 opted for LiSWT alone. After each LiSWT session, patient 2 reported relieved symptoms for 3-4 days, while patient 3 reported significant improvement lasting for 24 hours. Both patients 2 and 3 reported gradually returning to their pre-treatment baseline in 5 months’ follow-up. Conclusions While HFS is becoming increasingly recognized amongst sexual medicine clinicians, there are currently no established efficacious treatment options. LiSWT shows potential as a treatment modality and may have increased efficacy if used in combination with PDE5 inhibitors, as demonstrated in this pilot study. Nevertheless, a larger case series is necessary to establish LiSWT as a standardized treatment option and may require a more comprehensive approach to properly manage this condition. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast, Clarus Therapeutics, Antares Pharma, Acerus.