Prospective comparison of topical minoxidil to vacuum constriction device and intracorporeal papaverine injection in treatment of erectile dysfunction due to spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of topically applied 2% minoxidil to that of intracorporeal injection therapy and vacuum constriction devices for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in the spinal cord injured (SCI) male.

METHODS

Eighteen SCI men, aged nineteen to sixty-five years (median age, 29), and level of injury C7 to L3 (15 thoracic level) were prospectively evaluated. All patients were able to achieve only a poorly sustained reflex erection that was inadequate for satisfactory intercourse. No patient had suffered erectile dysfunction prior to his SCI. In each patient, 1 mL of a 2% minoxidil solution was applied as an aerosol spray to the glans penis. The erectile response was compared to that obtained with a vacuum constriction device (VCD) and intracorporeal papaverine injection. In each case, the subjective assessment by both the patient and the physician, as well as objective results of penile base rigidity as measured by the RigiScan DT Monitor Device, were recorded.

RESULTS

Papaverine increased rigidity at the base of the penis by a median 77 percent (range, 30-100%). The VCD increased rigidity by a median 57 percent (range, 30-80%). Minoxidil induced no change in rigidity (range, 0-15%). No complications were observed for any method of inducing tumescence.

CONCLUSIONS

Papaverine and VCD proved to be effective means of establishing penile erection in male SCI patients. Both subjective and objective erectile responses to minoxidil were poor. Nevertheless, the principle of topical therapy is an attractive alternative to existing modalities. Further investigation is warranted.