Alleviation of post-radical prostatectomy cavernosal fibrosis: future directions and potential utility for PDE5 inhibitors

Abstract

Reversion of cavernosal fibrosis remains a controversial issue. The relative smooth muscle cells' loss that happens with cavernosal nerve damage and their impact on deterioration of erectile function were demonstrated in several studies. Furthermore, chronic ischemia that occurs with aging and medical co-morbidities is associated with the reduction of nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate and ultimately cavernosal fibrosis. Despite the encouraging recent results of the role of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in the prevention of post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction, debate regarding the exact mechanism of PDE5 inhibitors in prevention, amelioration and reversion of penile fibrosis still exists. Recently, several reports suggested that PDE5 inhibitors may improve endothelial function and decrease arterial stiffness, introducing this class of compounds as potential drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction-associated penile fibrosis. In this editorial, we intended to address the role of PDE5 inhibitors as a promising treatment to alleviate or reverse ED associated-cavernosal fibrosis.