Maximisation of the erectile response in the investigation of impotence

The aim of this study was to assess whether redosing with a combination of intracavernosal (IC) vasoactive agents could produce a complete erectile re sponse, thereby providing a reliable and reproducible method of dynamic inv estigation of erectile dysfunction. Forty-one impotent men were redosed with a combination intracavernosal agen ts until a constant penile rigidity was achieved. They were then shown audi ovisual sexual stimulation (VES) by means of a videotape. The erectile resp onses were monitored continuously by RigiScan (Dacomed). Results: Despite a constant rigidity with intracavernous injection (ICI), 1 6 men (39%) still had an improved response with VES that was clinically det ectable. Conclusion: Dynamic investigation of erectile dysfunction with a combinatio n and redosing of IC agents may still lead to an incomplete erectile respon se. This may potentially lead to patients being incorrectly labelled and co nfirms the limitations of follow-up studies using dynamic tests of erectile function.