Risk Of Postoperative Erectile Dysfunction Research Articles

Injectable thermo-sensitive hydrogel containing ADSC-derived exosomes for the treatment of cavernous nerve injury

Radical pelvic surgery is commonly accompanied by the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction induced by cavernous nerve injury (CNI-ED). The strategy of using adipose mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (ADSC-Exo) to treat neurodegenerative diseases has shown promising results. However, it remains challenging to prolong the retention of unbound ADSC-Exo in damaged tissues to exert therapeutic effects. Herein, we develop a novel injectable thermo-sensitive hydroxyethyl chitosan/sodium β-glycerophosphate hydrogel (HG) encapsulating ADSC-Exo (HG@Exo) to manage CNI-ED. The HG exhibits excellent injectability, structural stability, and body temperature sensitivity. In vivo assessment demonstrates that the designed ADSC-Exo-loaded HG hydrogel enhances the retention of ADSC-Exo and displays a slow release. Furthermore, when HG@Exo is applied to the site of nerve injury, erectile function in the bilateral cavernous nerve injury rat model is significantly improved. Thus, our finding indicates that the developed bioactive hydrogel presents a promising strategy for the effective management of CNI-ED.

Erectile dysfunction resulting from pelvic surgery is associated with changes in cavernosal gene expression indicative of cavernous nerve injury.

Pelvic surgery, even without direct cavernous nerve injury, carries a high risk of post-operative erectile dysfunction. The present studies were aimed at identifying molecular mechanisms by which pelvic surgery results in erectile dysfunction. As a model of pelvic surgery, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent pelvic laparotomy, avoiding direct cavernous nerve injury. A second group of animals, serving as a model of direct cavernous nerve injury, underwent bilateral transection of the cavernous nerve. Cavernosometry demonstrated, that even in the absence of direct nerve injury, the pelvic surgery model exhibited significant erectile dysfunction 3days post-operatively. Gene expression profiling also demonstrated that even in this animal model of nerve-sparing pelvic surgery, the profile of differentially expressed genes in cavernosal tissue was indicative of cavernous nerve injury. In addition, although 6hr after surgery there were significant changes in circulating cytokine/chemokine levels, an inflammatory response in the major pelvic ganglion, cavernous nerve and cavernosal tissue was only observed 3days post-surgery. Our results validate a rat model of pelvic surgery exhibiting erectile dysfunction and suggest systemic release of cytokines/chemokines following surgical trauma might mediate a pathological inflammatory response in tissues distal to the site of surgical trauma, indirectly resulting in cavernous nerve injury and erectile dysfunction.

Strategies and current practices for penile lengthening in severe Peyronie's disease cases: a systematic review.

Several strategies to optimize penile length in the presence of Peyronie's Disease (PD) have been described so far. In case of severe curvature and preserved erectile function, plaque incision/excision (PIG/PEG) are advisable in order to maximize penile length, despite the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED), recurrent curvature, or penile shortening. For men with PD deformities associated to a certain degree of ED several lengthening techniques associated to penile prosthesis (PPI) implantation can be considered. Because of the potential postoperative complications, the indication must be balanced between patient's risk factors and surgeon's experience. Furthermore, adjuvant surgeries, such as prepubic V-Y plasty, suspensory ligament release, suprapubic lipectomy, and ventral phalloplasty, can be performed simultaneously or in a staged fashion to maximize the outcomes. Restoration a decent penile length in the case of a severe PD represents a real challenge for reconstructive surgeons. We present a systematic review of the literature on the current practices for penile lengthening in severe PD, providing the reader with a practical overview on the existing surgical strategies and their surgical and functional outcomes.

Population-based, nationwide registration of prostatectomies in Sweden.

IntroductionRadical prostatectomy (RP) is a common surgical procedure with a risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. There is a need for data on RP as a basis for quality assurance and benchmarking.MethodsIn 2015, prostatectomies in Sweden (PiS) form was implemented in the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR) of Sweden with data on pre‐, peri‐ and post‐operative variables.ResultsOut of all radical prostatectomies performed in 2016 in Sweden, 3096/3881 (80%) were registered in PiS. A total of 2605 (84%) were robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and 491 (16%) were RRP (retropubic radical prostatectomy). RARP was performed by 91 surgeons of whom 47% operated more than 25 RP/year; and RRP was performed by 69 surgeons of whom 10% performed more than 25 RP/year. RARP had a longer operative time (median operating time: RARP 155 minutes [IQR 124‐190]; RRP 129 minutes [IQR 105‐171]; P < .001) but was associated with smaller bleeding (median intraoperative blood loss: RARP 100 mL [IQR 50‐200], RRP 700 mL [IQR 500‐1100]; P < .001).ConclusionsWe report on a nationwide, population‐based register with transparent reporting of data on the performance of radical prostatectomy. These data are needed as a basis for quality assurance with comparisons of results from individual surgeons and hospitals.

Vessel-sparing Excision and Primary Anastomosis.

Urethroplasty is considered to be the standard treatment for urethral strictures since it provides excellent long-term success rates. For isolated short bulbar or posterior urethral strictures, urethroplasty by excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) is recommended. As EPA only requires the excision of the narrowed segment and the surrounding spongiofibrosis, a full-thickness transection of the corpus spongiosum, as performed in the traditional transecting EPA (tEPA), is usually unnecessary. Jordan et al. introduced the idea of a vessel-sparing approach in 2007, aiming to reduce surgical trauma, especially to the dual arterial blood supply of the urethra, and, thus, potentially reducing the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction or glans ischemia. This approach could also be beneficial for subsequent urethral interventions such as redo urethroplasty using a free graft, in which a well-vascularized graft bed is imperative. Nevertheless, these potential benefits are only assumptions as prospective studies comparing the functional outcome of both techniques with validated questionnaires are currently lacking. Moreover, vessel-sparing EPA (vsEPA) should at least be able to provide similar surgical outcomes as tEPA. The aim of this paper is to give an elaborate, step-by-step overview of how to manage patients with isolated short bulbar or posterior urethral strictures with vsEPA. The main objective of this manuscript is to outline the surgical technique and to report the representative surgical outcome. A total of 117 patients were managed according to the described protocol. The analysis was performed on the entire patient cohort and on the bulbar (n = 91) and posterior (n = 26) vsEPA group separately. Success rates were 93.4% and 88.5% for the bulbar and posterior vsEPA, respectively. To conclude, vsEPA, as outlined in the protocol, provides excellent success rates with low complication rates for isolated short bulbar and posterior urethral strictures.

New Developments in Surgical Treatment for Penile Size Preservation in Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie's disease (PD) is associated with penile length loss due to atrophy that occurs as a result of fibrous inelastic scarring. Studies have shown diminished penile length and girth, as well as the inability to participate in sexual activity, can lead to decreased quality of life, emotional challenges, and sexual dissatisfaction in a large percentage of men. To provide a summary of the new developments in the surgical techniques available for the PD patient, with a focus on procedures that provide penile size restoration. A MEDLINE PubMed search was used to identify articles related to surgical treatments for PD, including plication procedures, penile prosthesis placement, and techniques for size restoration. Types of surgical treatments for PD and their outcomes regarding penile length and patient satisfaction. The Nesbit procedure, among other plication procedures, and penile prosthesis placement with modeling or plication are likely to decrease penile length. Although plaque incision with grafting offers restoration of penile length, it carries a risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). For men with concomitant ED and severe curvature not amenable to prosthesis with modeling or plication, options include grafting, circumferential tunical incisions, subcoronal prosthesis placement, and the sliding technique with its modifications, allowing for management of both PD and ED while restoring penile length. Adjunct procedures, such as ventral phalloplasty and suspensory ligament release, have also been shown to restore length in PD patients. Novel therapies continue to evolve with the goal of preserving length while treating curvature. There are numerous surgical options for correcting penile curvature in PD patients, with or without concomitant ED treatment. When determining the optimal procedure, it is important to consider possible preservation of penile length and to discuss possible complications to increase patient satisfaction and improve quality of life. Barrett-Harlow B, Clavell-Hernandez J, Wang R. New Developments in Surgical Treatment for Penile Size Preservation in Peyronie's Disease. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:156-166.

Sexual Rehabilitation After Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy: Free-of-Charge Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Administration Improves Compliance to Treatment

BackgroundIn December 2006, the region of Tuscany (Italy) authorized the free-of-charge provision of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) for all patients with Tuscan citizenship who undergo nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP). ObjectiveTo compare sexual rehabilitation outcomes in patients with low risk of erectile dysfunction and minimal comorbidities who received PDE5Is free of charge (PDE5I-F) with those who paid for PDE5Is (PDE5I-P) after bilateral NSRP. MethodsWe reviewed prospectively recorded clinical data of 2,368 patients with Tuscan (PDE5I-F) and non-Tuscan (PDE5I-P) citizenship treated with NSRP at 3 different institutions in Tuscany from 2008 to 2013. Inclusion criteria for the final analysis were open or robot-assisted bilateral NSRP; low risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction according to the Briganti risk stratification tool; no smoking and no drug and alcohol abuse; no cardiovascular risk factors; no major surgery before and after NSRP; no neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment; and no biochemical relapse. Dropout was defined as an interruption longer than 40 days of the treatment protocol indicated in the inclusion criteria. Treatment compliance was defined as more than 90% consumption of the prescribed PDE5I. OutcomesThe Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and the Italian version of the University of California–Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index sexual function (UCLA-PCI-s) questionnaires were administered to assess patients' satisfaction with PDE5I treatment and sexual function. ResultsOverall, 648 patients in the PDE5I-F group and 182 in the PDE5I-P group met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for the study. Patients had comparable preoperative and surgical characteristics. The PDE5I-F group had a significantly higher early rehabilitation onset (P < .001), lower treatment dropout at 12, 24, and 36 months (P < .001 for all comparisons), and higher compliance to the treatment protocol at 6 and 12 months (P = .01 and P < .001, respectively). At multivariable analysis, the PDE5I-F protocol was an independent predictor of an EDITS score higher than 50 (hazard ratio = 1.54, P = .03) and a UCLA-PCI-s score higher than 50 (hazard ratio = 3.12, P = .01) after adjusting for the effects of several clinical features. Clinical ImplicationsThe free-of-charge protocol has a significant impact on patients' satisfaction with PDE5I treatment. Strengths and LimitationsTo our knowledge, this is the first study comparing free vs paid access to a sexual rehabilitation protocol. Major limitations are the observational nature of the study and the different population sizes of the 2 groups. ConclusionsIn a selected cohort of patients after NSRP, free-of-charge access to a sexual rehabilitation protocol was significantly associated with higher early rehabilitation onset, major compliance to the protocol, minor treatment dropout, and higher satisfaction rate of patients.Siena G, Mari A, Canale A, et al. Sexual Rehabilitation After Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy: Free-of-Charge Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Administration Improves Compliance to Treatment. J Sex Med 2018;15:120–123.

Lengthening strategies for Peyronie's disease.

Loss of penile length is a common complaint of men with Peyronie’s disease (PD), both before and after corrective intervention, which has a significant negative effect on patient quality of life. We sought to identify and describe the methods by which penile length can be preserved or increased. We conducted an extensive, systematic literature review, based on a search of the PUBMED database for articles published between 1990 and 2015. Articles with the key words “Peyronie’s disease”, “penile length” and/or “penile lengthening” were reviewed if they contained subjective or objective penile length outcomes. Only English-language articles that were related to PD and penile size were included. We found no evidence in the literature that medical therapy alone increases penile length. Classic inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement, plication procedures, and the Nesbit procedure appear likely to maintain or decrease penile length. Plaque incision (PI) and grafting appears likely to maintain or increase penile length, but is complicated by risk of post-operative erectile dysfunction (ED). There are several surgical procedures performed concomitantly with IPP placement that may be suitable treatment options for men with comorbid ED, and consistently increase penile length with otherwise good outcomes concerning sexual function. These include the subcoronal penile prosthesis (scIPP), Egydio circumferential technique, the sliding technique, the modified sliding technique (MoST), and the multiple slice technique (MuST). In addition, adjuvant therapies such as penile traction therapy (PTT), post-operative inflation protocols, suspensory ligament relaxation, lipectomy, and adjuvant medical therapy for glans engorgement appear to increase subjective and/or objective penile length for men at high risk of decreased penile length after PD surgery. Considering the psychological burden of length loss in men with PD, providers with adequate volume and expertise should attempt, if possible, to maintain or increase penile length for men undergoing surgical intervention. There are several evidence-based, safe, and effective ways to increase penile length for these men and multiple emerging adjuvant therapies that may help ensure adequate length.

AB023. Penile rehabilitation with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in men after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy

Post-radical prostatectomy (RP) erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a challenge for the urologist. Despite the improvements in surgical technique, ED occurs between 20% and 90% in patients treated with bilateral nerve-sparing RP. Patient factors, cancer selection, type of surgery, surgical techniques, and surgeon factors represent the key significant contributors to erectile function recovery. The aim of a penile rehabilitation program is to preserve the functional smooth-muscle content of the corpus cavernosum during the neuropraxia period. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are commonly used in rehabilitation programs. In animal models, such an approach could promote erectile function recovery, improve smooth muscle-to-collagen penile ration, reduce penile apoptotic index, preserve penile endothelial function and promote neuroprotection during nerve damage. Despite the strong basic science support from animal studies, discordant results have been reached in humans. The previous randomized trials comparing chronic versus on-demand PDE-5 inhibitors use after RP may be affected by improper patients’ selection in that only men at low risk of postoperative ED were included. These patients would recover erectile function regardless of the type of PDE5 inhibitor administration because of their excellent baseline profile. Prospective, randomized trials have shown a significant benefit of daily PDE5-I administration as compared with placebo in terms of postoperative EF recovery. Patients with intermediate risk of ED after surgery are the best candidates for daily treatment with PDE5 inhibitor after bilateral nerve-sparing RP. The maximal effect of penile rehabilitation may be found in those men with a certain (but not high) degree of systemic and erectile impairment preoperatively. In conclusion, penile rehabilitation could achieve faster and better natural erectile function after RP and should be started as early as possible. Chronic use of PDE5-I may confer the maximal gain as compared to the on-demand administration schedule. Attention should be pained to the observation that rehabilitation protocols are beneficial even in men with spontaneous erections postoperatively because further improvement in such patients was reported.

AB020. Penile rehabilitation with PDE5 inhibitors in men following radical prostatectomy

Post-radical prostatectomy (RP) erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a challenge for the urologist. Despite the improvements in surgical technique, ED occurs between 20% and 90% in patients treated with bilateral nerve-sparing RP. Patient factors, cancer selection, type of surgery, surgical techniques, and surgeon factors represent the key significant contributors to erectile function recovery. The aim of a penile rehabilitation program is to preserve the functional smooth-muscle content of the corpus cavernosum during the neuropraxia period. Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are commonly used in rehabilitation programs. In animal models, such an approach could promote erectile function recovery, improve smooth muscle-to-collagen penile ration, reduce penile apoptotic index, preserve penile endothelial function and promote neuroprotection during nerve damage. Despite the strong basic science support from animal studies, discordant results have been reached in humans. The previous randomized trials comparing chronic versus on-demand PDE-5 inhibitors use after RP may be affected by improper patient selection in that only men at low risk of postoperative ED were included. These patients would recover erectile function regardless of the type of PDE5 inhibitor administration because of their excellent baseline profile. Prospective, randomized trials have shown a significant benefit of daily PDE5-I administration as compared with placebo in terms of postoperative EF recovery. Patients with intermediate risk of ED after surgery are the best candidates for daily treatment with PDE5 inhibitor after bilateral nerve-sparing RP. The maximal effect of penile rehabilitation may be found in those men with a certain (but not high) degree of systemic and erectile impairment preoperatively. In conclusion, penile rehabilitation could achieve faster and better natural erectile function after RP and should be started as early as possible. Chronic use of PDE5-I may confer the maximal gain as compared to the on-demand administration schedule. Attention should be pained to the observation that rehabilitation protocols are beneficial even in men with spontaneous erections postoperatively because further improvement in such patients was reported.

Impact of Obesity on Early Erectile Function Recovery after Robotic Radical Prostatectomy

Studies are limited regarding the impact of obesity on early erectile functional outcomes after robotic radical prostatectomy. Our goal was to determine this impact using patient-reported validated questionnaires. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6) scores were prospectively collected with institutional review board approval, for patients who underwent robotic radical prostatectomy with bilateral nerve sparing from February 2007 to October 2009. The data were categorized into nonobese and obese groups and subsequently into 2 subgroups based on risk for postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction. Low risk is preoperative IIEF-6 ≥19 and high risk is IIEF-6 <19. The groups and subgroups were compared using chi-square analysis. Of 190 consecutive patients, 67 were excluded for preoperative severe erectile dysfunction (IIEF-6<7), or lack of IIEF-6 scores, or both. There were 69 nonobese patients of which 88% were potent preoperatively and 20% regained potency at 12 months postoperatively. Of 54 obese patients, 85% were potent preoperatively and 25% at 12 months. There was no difference in erectile function recovery rates between the groups (P=0.755). In both groups, patients with low risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction had statistically similar postoperative mean IIEF-6 scores at 6 and 12 months (P=0.580 and P=0.389, respectively), and no difference in erectile function recovery rates existed at 12 months (P=0.735). Obesity has no major contribution to the rate of early erectile function recovery after robotic radical prostatectomy. Preoperative erectile function remains the determining factor in postradical prostatectomy erectile dysfunction.

79 PREDICTING ERECTILE FUNCTION RECOVERY AFTER BILATERAL NERVE SPARING RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY: A PROPOSAL OF A NOVEL RISK STRATIFICATION

Introduction. No multivariable model is currently available for the prediction of erectile function (EF) recovery after bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP). Aim. The aim of this study was to develop a novel preoperative risk stratification aimed at assessing the probability of EF recovery after BNSRP. Main Outcome Measure. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to evaluate EF after BNSRP. Methods. This study included 435 patients treated with retropubic BNSRP between 2004 and 2008 at a single Institution. Preoperative data, including age, IIEF, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and body mass index (BMI) were available for all patients. Moreover, all patients were assessed postoperatively every 3 months and were asked to complete the IIEF during each visit. Cox regression models tested the association between preoperative predictors (age at surgery, preoperative IIEF-EF domain score, CCI, BMI) and EF recovery. Independent predictors of EF recovery were then used to stratify patients into three groups according to the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) after surgery: low (age 65 years, IIEF-EF 26, CCI 1; n = 184), intermediate (age 66–69 years or IIEF-EF 11-25,CCI 1; n = 115), and high (age 70 years or IIEF-EF 10 or CCI 2; n = 136). Kaplan-Meier curves assessed the time to EF recovery (defined as IIEF-EF score 22). Predictive accuracy of our proposed classification was quantified using the AUC method. Results. Of 435 patients, 242 (55.6%) received phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-I) either on demand or every day for a period of 3–6 months. Overall, EF recovery rate was 58% at 3-year follow-up. Patients treated with PDE5-I had significantly higher 3-year EF recovery rate as compared with patients left untreated after surgery (73 vs. 37%; P < 0.001). Except for BMI (P = 0.7), all preoperative covariates showed a significant association with EF recovery (all P 0.04). The 3-year EF recovery rate significantly differed between the three groups, being 85, 59, and 37% in patients with low, intermediate, and high risk of postoperative ED, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariable Cox regression analysis confirmed a highly significant association between the risk classification and EF recovery (P < 0.001). The proposed patient stratification tool showed a 69.1% accuracy. Similar results were achieved when patients were stratified according to the use of ED treatment after surgery (all P < 0.001). Conclusions. We report the first preoperative risk stratification tool aimed at assessing the probability of EF recovery after BNSRP. It is based on routinely available baseline data such as patient age, preoperative erectile function, and comorbidity profile. Briganti A, Gallina A, Suardi N, Capitanio U, Tutolo M, Bianchi M, Passoni N, Salonia A, Colombo R, Di Girolamo V, Guazzoni G, Rigatti P, and Montorsi F. Predicting erectile function recovery after bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy: A proposal of a novel preoperative risk stratification. J Sex Med 2010;7:2521–2531.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PHARMACOTHERAPY: Erectile Dysfunction Following Surgical Correction of Peyronie's Disease and a Pilot Study of the Use of Sildenafil Citrate Rehabilitation for Postoperative Erectile Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction Peyronie's disease (PD) is correctable by several surgical approaches including plaque incision with grafting. While the best choice of graft material remains controversial, the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) is apparent across previous reports. Aim We attempt to provide guidelines as to which patients may be at increased risk for developing postoperative ED after this procedure, as well as examine the role of sildenafil citrate (SC) in the postoperative period for prevention of this complication. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed on 37 patients who underwent surgical correction of PD with pericardial grafting after plaque incision. Mean follow-up was 24 months. We evaluated patient age, duration of disease, defect size, plaque location, degree of curvature, shaft narrowing, preoperative coital activity, vascular risk factors for ED, as well as preoperative erection grade and duplex ultrasound parameters. Twenty-six of these patients underwent a postoperative rehabilitation protocol of SC to enhance recovery of unassisted erections. Results Overall, 11 patients (29%) noted diminished postoperative rigidity, that compromised unassisted coitus, compared to preoperative status. Comparison of rates of ED among those with or without vascular risk factors yielded no statistically significant results. Peyronie's disease duration, patient age, defect size, plaque location, degree of curvature, and narrowing were also insignificant predictors of which patients developed ED. An increased percentage of patients who developed ED were not sexually active preoperatively compared to those that did not develop ED (58% vs. 80%). When patients were compared based on preoperative erection grade, those patients with compromised erectile function were more likely to develop postoperative ED vs. those with full erections (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No significant differences were found in preoperative duplex ultrasound parameters between both sets of patients. For those undergoing SC rehabilitation, 7 out of 26 (26%) developed ED in comparison to 4 out of 11 patients (36%) developing diminished rigidity when not subjected to the protocol. Conclusions No single parameter was found that predicted the occurrence of postoperative ED with the exception of preoperative erectile status. The surgeon must carefully assess and consult each patient when considering grafting as well as consider the possible role of SC in attempting to prevent this complication.

EFFECT OF INCISION AND SAPHENOUS VEIN GRAFTING FOR PEYRONIE’S DISEASE ON PENILE LENGTH AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION

We determined the effect of incision and saphenous vein grafting on penile length, erectile function and overall sexual satisfaction in men with Peyronie's disease. A total of 24 consecutive men underwent plaque incision and saphenous vein grafting with postoperative daily use of a vacuum erection device. Erect penile length, pain, curvature and erectile function were assessed before and after surgery, and overall sexual satisfaction was scored from 1 to 5 by a validated instrument. Of the 22 patients in whom adequate followup data were available mean penile length was increased 2.1 cm. as a result of surgery (p <0.001). Median score of overall satisfaction with sex life was 4 or moderately satisfied. Of the 86% of men who achieved sexual intercourse after surgery 54% used no erectile aids and 32% required sildenafil or intracavernous injection. Complete erectile dysfunction was present in 14% of cases. Patients who reported erectile difficulty preoperatively were significantly more likely to have erectile dysfunction postoperatively that required erectile aids. Arterial insufficiency on duplex Doppler ultrasound was associated with a higher likelihood of complete erectile dysfunction. Complications in 33% of patients included complete erectile dysfunction in 3 and significant persistent penile curvature in 1. Incision and venous grafting of plaque leads to statistically and clinically significant increases in penile length in men with Peyronie's disease. Preoperative erectile dysfunction and cavernous arterial insufficiency were associated with a higher risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction. Nevertheless, patients reported a high degree of satisfaction with their overall sex life.