Treatment of erectile dysfunction with external vacuum devices

Andrologia. 1999:31 Suppl 1:89-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0272.1999.tb01456.x.

Abstract

In a retrospective study, the medical and psychological outcome of the use of external vacuum devices in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in 190 patients was evaluated, using a questionnaire and a clinical examination. 110/190 patients (57.8%) answered the questionnaire. 22/110 patients (20%) rejected the device primarily and 34/110 (30.9%) after a period of up to 16 weeks (primary rejection rate 50.9%). A secondary drop-out rate of 8/110 (7.3%) was observed after an intermediate time of 10.5 months. 46/110 (41.8%) patients were long-term users (median 27.6 months, range 7-70 months). Long-term users were mainly patients who did not respond to intracavernosal pharmacotherapy. In the group of long-term users, 98% of patients and 85% of their partners were satisfied with the vacuum therapy. Complications were minor (hematoma 9.8%; skin injury 2.2%), 69.8% of long-term users never had problems with the device. 74% of users reported regular orgasm. Vacuum therapy is a safe and effective non-invasive treatment of erectile dysfunction with a limited primary acceptance and low drop-out rates in long-term follow-ups.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Coitus
  • Ejaculation
  • Erectile Dysfunction / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Orgasm
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Penile Erection
  • Penis / blood supply
  • Sexual Partners
  • Ultrasonography
  • Vacuum