Management of erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy

Changes in the quality of erections after the radical prostectomy pose the most important problems as far as sexuality is concerned. This is the consequence of damages of the cavernous nerves that occur during the lateral dissection of the prostate. Despite the goal of a radical prostectomy is to cure prostate cancer while preserving the best quality of life of patients, these damages are sometimes definitive.

After radical prostectomy the erectile dysfunction treatment begins with an evaluation of the sexuality of the patient who is informed of the consequences. Specialized physiotherapy should be proposed to patients in the 2 to 3 months following the intervention. Patients are treated using classical therapy for erectile dysfunction. In the case of patient transfer and delegation of competences, consultation between the doctor and clinical nurses is advised throughout treatment.