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Erectile Dysfunction
Vascular Reconstructive Surgery
Vascular
reconstructive surgery is performed to improve the blood supply
of the penis in attempts to improve a man's ability to get
and maintain an erection. Because the procedure is technically
difficult, costly and not always effective, it is very rarely
performed.
What
Happens During the Procedure?
Vascular
reconstructive surgery of the penis generally involves bypassing
blocked arteries by transferring an artery from an abdominal
muscle to a penile artery so that it creates a path to the
penis that bypasses the area of blockage that is inhibiting
blood flow to the penis.
Who
Is Eligible for This Procedure?
Only a
small percentage of men may be candidates for this surgery,
in particular young men suffering from ED as a result of trauma
to the penis and surrounding areas. If you fall into this
category, talk to your doctor to see if vascular reconstructive
surgery is right for you.
How
Effective Is Vascular Reconstructive Surgery?
Unfortunately,
the long-term results from this type of surgery have been
disappointing with even the best of results showing only 1
out of 20 men improved. However, for younger men with a single
damaged blood vessel that occurred as a result of a pelvic
or genital injury, the success rate for this treatment is
higher (50%-75%).
Reviewed
by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The
Cleveland Clinic.
Edited
by Charlotte Grayson, MD, WebMD, May 2004
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
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