Penile Blood Pressure in Erectile Impotence Following Cystectomy

Penile systolic blood pressure and systolic and diastolic brachial blood pressure were measured in 17 men who had undergone cystectomy and prostatectomy for cancer of the bladder. After the operation, 13 patients reported erectile impotence, while 4 retained sexual potency. Comparisons were made with 7 healthy, potent controls. The systolic penile blood pressure was significantly lower and the systolic pressure gradient between brachial and penile pressure was significantly higher in the men with erectile impotence than in the potent men. Reduced penile blood pressure after such operations may arise from vascular trauma. A surgical technique that protects penile blood vessels may conceivably reduce the risk of erectile impotence following cystectomy.