Management of erectile dysfunction in patients with ischemic heart disease by intracavernous injection of vasoactive drugs because of failure, complications or contraindication of sildenafil

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intracavemous injection [ICI] of vasoactive drugs combination in patients with ischemic heart disease [IHD] and erectile dysfunction [ED] who were not proper cadidatefor treatment with sildenafil citrate. The study population included 122 selected patients with IHD and ED in whom sildenafil was not an option because of its failure, side effects, or presence of contraindication for its use. The ICI program consisted of two combinations of vasoactive drugs. The first combination [A] included a mixture of papaverine, phen-tolamine, and verapamil The second combination [B] included a mixture of the former 3 drugs plus prostaglandin El. Patients who failed to respond with the first combination were switched to the second combination. A positive response was defined as an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration and maintained till ejaculation. A positive response was achieved with combination [A] in 67 [54.9%] of the 122 patients and with combination [B] in 24 [43.6%] of the remaining 55 patients. The total success rate was [74.6%]. Patients with positive response [91 pts.] were followed-up for one year with 80 [87.9%] patients reported successjid coitus during this period. The remaining 11 patients [12.1%] dropped out of the program, 2 [2.2%] because of treatment failure, and 9 [9.9%] because of marital and health reasons. Adverse effects of ICI therapy included prolonged erection in 10 [11%], painful erection in 9 [9.9%], subcutaneous hematoma in 7 [7.7%], and plaque formation in 3 [3.3%]. We conclude that ICI ofvasoactive drugs is a good alternative for the treatment of ED in patients with IHD in whom stidenafil is not anoption