VACUUM CONSTRICTION DEVICES IN ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION - ACCEPTANCE AND EFFECTIVENESS IN PATIENTS WITH IMPOTENCE OF ORGANIC OR MIXED ETIOLOGY

Objective To investigate the value of vacuum constriction devices in t he treatment of erectile dysfunction. Patients and methods A total of 67 patients were treated with vacuum constriction devices. The impoten ce was of organic origin in 36 men (54%) while in the remaining 31 (46 %) it was of mixed aetiology (organic and psychological factors). Fort y-seven patients continued to use the device at home for the duration of the practice period. Results All 67 patients underwent a vacuum tes t which resulted in nearly half of them achieving an erection sufficie nt for intercourse. Adequate erections were achieved in 34 of 47 (72%) patients who used the device at home during the practice period. In t he group of patients with organic impotence (venous leakage), rigidity was better and the frequency of intercourse higher than in patients w ith diabetes and in those with neurogenic disorders. Conclusion These findings support further the role for vacuum devices for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in carefully selected patients.