Patients with definite symptomatic
erectile dysfunction were presented a wide range of treatment
options, including no treatment, vacuum constriction device,
pharmacological injection therapy and surgery. Of the 559 men 266
(48%) opted to undergo evaluation for treatment with a vacuum
constriction device. Tumescence was maintained with 1 or more latex
constriction bands. Each patient was instructed in the use of the
vacuum constriction device in the office to ensure competency. After
an in-office demonstration 28 patients decided not to use the device
and the remaining 238 patients did. At the time they obtained the
device, patients were asked if they could be contacted for follow-up
information, and 216 (91%) consented. These 216 men formed the
database for the initial follow-up. Risk factors and prior therapy
are listed in table 1. Patient age ranged from 36 to 83 years, with
median age of 65. Patients were mailed an initial 3-month
questionnaire by the urologist, which was returned by 161 (75%). In
April 1991 a second long-term questionnaire was mailed to the
original 216 patients, of whom 14 were unavailable due to death (4)
and lost to follow-up (10).
A total of 115 patients returned the second questionnaire,
representing 57% of the available 202 patients from the initial
database. The initial and long-term follow-up questionnaires were
identical except for an additional 6 questions in the latter which
primarily assessed quantitative frequency of use patterns. The
questionnaires addressed a wide range of subjects concerning the
vacuum constriction device, including use patterns, patient
satisfaction, partner satisfaction, quality of erections, side
effects and complications. To decrease potential bias, all results
from the questionnaire were tabulated by a second independent
observer. Statistical comparisons in responses between groups were
then performed using a 1-tailed chi-square analysis. Student's
paired t-test was used to compare frequency of use variables among
patients responding to the second questionnaire. |
