(227) THE IMPACT OF VACUUM ERECTION DEVICES USE ON PENILE DOPPLER ULTRASOUND READINGS AND INTRACORPOREAL INJECTION DOSAGE IN PATIENTS FOLLOWING PELVIC SURGERIES

Abstract Introduction Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) are widely considered to be integral in penile rehabilitation post-pelvic surgery by enhancing penile blood flow, preserving length, and facilitating erection. Objective This study aims to investigate the impact of VED usage on penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU) readings and the subsequent dose adjustments of intracorporeal injection (ICI) therapy in men following pelvic surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of our institution's database to identify patients experiencing erectile dysfunction as a result of pelvic surgery. The study involved individuals from a single institution who visited the Sexual Medicine clinic, underwent PDU, utilized Trimix ICI, and had a follow-up for a minimum of one year. Our investigation comprised data gathered from 232 patients meeting these outlined criteria between 2020 and 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups: Group 1 comprising individuals using VED with ICI for a duration of at least 1 year (minimum of at least 3 times per week) & Group 2 without VED. Student T-test was used to compare various numerical variables between both groups. Results In general, out of the 232 patients included, 17.2% were diabetic, 51.9% were hypertensive, 24.5% had radiation therapy & 18.5% had Androgen deprivation therapy. B blocker intake was reported in 15.9% of patients. With regards to surgery type, 41.6% underwent bilateral nerve sparing prostatectomy, 25.3% underwent partial nerve sparing while 3.9% had a non-nerve sparing technique. Cystoprostatectomy was observed in 5.2% while the remaining 3.9% had other pelvic surgeries. Results of the patient demographic and clinical parameters along with the PDU readings between both groups are reported in Table 1. Notably, no statistically significant differences were observed between both groups in terms of age, HbA1c, Testosterone levels, PDU readings, or in relation to the alterations in the ICI Trimix dosage. Conclusions Our preliminary analysis suggests that the use of vacuum erection devices (VED) in the rehabilitation of patients following pelvic surgery does not significantly impact erectile function as measured by penile Doppler ultrasound (PDU) readings or the requirements for Trimix intracorporeal injections (ICI) in the postoperative period. While advising patients on the use of VED in conjunction with Trimix injections currently lacks robust supporting evidence, it remains a theoretically beneficial approach. Further studies are needed to definitively determine its clinical significance and move beyond the current inconclusive status. Disclosure No.