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Surgical Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (cont.)

Vascular Reconstructive Surgery

Vascular reconstructive surgery is another surgical treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction.  

  • Surgery to reconstruct the arteries within the penis can be performed. By increasing blood flow to the penis, a man is able to achieve or maintain an erection.

  • Surgery to block off the veins within the penis can be done. By blocking off these veins, blood is not allowed to leave the penis, which enables a man to achieve or maintain an erection.
Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of vascular reconstructive surgery with you and your sexual partner.
 
Advantages of vascular reconstructive surgery include: 
  • Restores natural erections when successful

  • Natural appearance

  • No implant required

  • If unsuccessful, does not interfere with other treatments
It must be stressed that very few men are potential candidates for vascular reconstructive surgery. In addition, extensive testing is required of men prior to undergoing this type of surgery. Additionally, there are very few medical centers that have experience in the management of vascular surgery for erectile dysfunction.
 
Although moderately effective, with a 40-50% success rate, the long-term effectiveness of vascular reconstructive surgery is generally only 2 years or less. Also, vascular reconstructive surgery is very expensive and associated with a relatively high relapse rate.

Other disadvantages of vascular reconstructive surgery are: 

  • Technically difficult surgery

  • Risk of infection, scar tissue formation with distortion of the penis, and painful erections

  • May cause shortening or numbness of the penis



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Urgency, Strain, Lack of Control...

 Uroxatral
Urgency, Strain, Lack of Control...

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.



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