Entrenamiento de la musculatura del piso pélvico como parte del tratamiento para la disfunción eréctil después de prostatectomía radical: serie de casos, experiencia en un centro médico de alta complejidad

Introduction Erectile dysfunction has been recognised as a complication of radical prostatectomy. The training of the pelvic floor muscles can be a therapeutic option for these patients; however, there is little evidence on the effect of this training in erectile function. Objective To describe the effect of physical rehabilitation of pelvic floor muscles in men over 40 years old with erectile dysfunction as a result of radical prostatectomy. Methods A retrospective study was conducted based on a review of medical records of patients with erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy and following a rehabilitation protocol including pelvic floor muscles exercises, biofeedback, and electrostimulation. Erectile function was assessed by the modified Oxford scale, the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5), and the pressure, in cmH2O, of the levator ani muscle. Results The study included 13 men with a mean age of 63.2 ± 8.0 years. None of them had a smoking history, and the mean body mass index was 24.9 ± 2.6. Before the intervention, there were 10 cases with severe dysfunction according to the IIEF-5, 3 cases with mild to moderate dysfunction. After the intervention, the erectile function improved in 11 patients (7 with complete improvement and 4 with mild erectile dysfunction). Two patients showed no improvement. Conclusion The study suggests that the effect of the pelvic floor muscles training is beneficial in the recovery of erectile function after radical prostatectomy.