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Erectile Dysfunction: Vascular Reconstructive Surgery
Vascular reconstructive surgery is performed to improve the blood supply of the penis in attempts to improve a man's ability to get and maintain an erection. Because the procedure is technically difficult, costly and not always effective, it is very rarely performed.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Vascular reconstructive surgery of the penis generally involves bypassing blocked arteries by transferring an artery from an abdominal muscle to a penile artery so that it creates a path to the penis that bypasses the area of blockage that is inhibiting blood flow to the penis.
Who Is Eligible for This Procedure?
Only a small percentage of men may be candidates for this surgery, in particular young men suffering from ED as a result of trauma to the penis and surrounding areas. If you fall into this category, talk to your doctor to see if vascular reconstructive surgery is right for you.
How Effective Is Vascular Reconstructive Surgery?
Unfortunately, the long-term results from this type of surgery have been disappointing with even the best of results showing only 1 out of 20 men improved. However, for younger men with a single damaged blood vessel that occurred as a result of a pelvic or genital injury, the success rate for this treatment is higher (50%-75%).
Reviewed by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The Cleveland Clinic.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Erectile Dysfunction Guide
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
