Treating erectile dysfunction with a vacuum tumescence device: a retrospective analysis of acceptance and satisfaction

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Abstract
To evaluate the quality of erections, ability to perform sexual intercourse, incidence of complications and satisfaction of patients using an external vacuum erection device in the treatment of erectile failure. Of the 61 impotent men who participated in this clinical trial, 49 used the device and were surveyed. The mean follow-up period was 12.8 months. A subjective rating scale from 1 to 10 was used to assess the patients' satisfaction with the device, where 1 indicated 'dissatisfied' and 10 indicated 'very satisfied'. The ease of using the device, satisfaction with the quality of erections and ability to perform intercourse were given scores > 5 by 88, 84 and 82% of the patients, respectively. Sixteen (33%) of the men withdrew from the trial, primarily because they were unable to achieve and maintain a full erection, or suffered conflicts in their relationship, or for reasons not related to the device. Overall, the effectiveness rate was 67%. Of 32 patients with arteriogenic impotence, 28 (88%) had satisfactory results and had an improvement in their capacity for spontaneous erections with the device. The most frequent adverse effects were blocked ejaculation, bruising or the development of ecchymosis, discomfort during pumping and discomfort from using the constriction bands. These results suggest that the vacuum device is an effective and safe treatment for impotence of various aetiologies, especially for those patients with arteriogenic impotence.