Vascular reconstruction surgery in patients with erectile dysfunction

The article is professionally consulted by MSc Vo Thien Ngon - Urologist, Department of General Surgery, Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Revascularization surgery is one of the methods to improve blood flow to the penis, helping men overcome erectile dysfunction and keep an erection when having sex with their partner.

Most patients with pre-existing erectile dysfunction are able to maintain an erection. Having erectile dysfunction is completely treatable, but the chance of cure depends mainly on the cause of the disease. Even if the disease cannot be cured, proper treatment can alleviate or even eliminate symptoms. So, how should patients with erectile dysfunction be cured?
Patients with erectile dysfunction need to go to a medical facility to examine and frankly present their symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, patients are usually treated with medication or surgery. However, if the cause can be identified and corrected, the symptoms of the disorder can be relieved without the need for medication. Depending on the patient's medical condition, the doctor will assign an appropriate treatment plan among the following 3 methods, including:
Short-term treatment This plan helps the patient achieve or maintain a state of health. erection, but does not address the root cause of erectile dysfunction. For example, the drug sildenafil (brand name Viagra) increases blood flow to the penis, providing a short-lived erection.
Addressing the cause of the disease This is the most important treatment, addressing the cause of erectile dysfunction. When the arteries are blocked, the blood flow to the penile vascular system is restricted. Taking medication and exercising regularly improves heart health and increases blood flow to the penis. This treatment option can correct erectile dysfunction or reduce its frequency.
Psychological treatment The cause of an erection that is not as desired can be due to psychological anxiety and stress. Psychological treatments help men reduce anxiety, reduce stress, feel more confident, and improve relationships with their partners.
In addition, stabilizing the patient's psychology will support other methods, bringing higher treatment efficiency.

To overcome erectile dysfunction, patients need to see a doctor to check for potential health problems. This is because the symptoms of the disease can be the first sign of nerve damage related to diabetes, cardiovascular disease or neurological disorders.
The cause of erectile dysfunction is often attributed to a physical problem, but psychological causes are not ruled out. Psychological instability makes erection more difficult. Therefore, the remedy for erectile dysfunction will include both physical and psychological methods:
2.1. Lifestyle changes Lifestyle modifications can improve conditions associated with erectile dysfunction, such as diabetes and narrowing of the arteries.
Men with medical conditions or risk factors need to change their lifestyle in the following ways:
Practice relaxation exercises to manage psychological stress and control blood pressure control; Exercise to improve circulation to the blood vessels of the penis; If you are overweight or obese, you should lose weight, reduce blood fat and improve testosterone levels; Build a scientific diet, especially those with diabetes or cardiovascular disease. 2.2. Pelvic floor muscle exercises The pelvic floor muscles are "effective assistants" to support men when urinating and ejaculating. Strengthening these muscles is also a way to improve erectile function. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, most commonly Kegel exercises, help men with diabetes maintain and improve erections.
2.3. Seeking Professional Counseling Erectile dysfunction often has a negative impact on a man's self-esteem. Many patients, even though they know they have the disease, silently suffer and refuse to go to the doctor. It is important for men to admit and frankly talk to their doctors about their medical conditions in order to find an appropriate and timely treatment.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can help the patient deal with concerns, recognize the danger and effects of the disease, thereby encouraging the patient to initiate early treatment.
2.4. Using natural herbs Some herbs can be used as supportive agents in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, patients should not arbitrarily choose herbal treatment but should consult with experts and guide from doctors.
2.5. Medications Some drugs work to improve penile blood flow and help the patient achieve an erection. However, certain active ingredients can make the condition worse, such as some high blood pressure medications that reduce blood flow to the penis, making it harder to get an erection. In this case, the patient needs to be replaced with another drug as prescribed by the doctor.

2.6. Mechanical devices Several mechanical devices have the potential to assist with erectile function for patients with neurological disorders, blood vessel damage, or physical health problems.
2.7. Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction If none of the above methods work, or when indicated, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Erectile dysfunction surgery helps patients restore erections almost immediately with a complication rate of no more than 5%.

Revascularization surgery works to improve blood circulation to the blood vessels of the penis, helping patients with erectile dysfunction to achieve and maintain an erection.
When choosing a treatment method for erectile dysfunction, doctors rarely recommend surgery because this method is often technically difficult, expensive, and not always completely effective.
3.1. The goal of surgery The goal of this procedure is to address the clogged arteries that are the cause of erectile dysfunction.
The surgeon will redirect an artery from another place (eg, in the abdomen) to a blood vessel in the penis where it is blocked. This creates a pathway for blood to continue through the blocked vessel to supply the penis.
3.2. Surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction is often the appropriate choice for young patients with the disease due to trauma to the penis or surrounding areas.
3.3. Is surgery effective? The success of vascular reconstruction surgery depends on the disease status, related diseases and the age of the patient. Success rates are often higher for younger men, with only a single blood vessel damaged from pelvic or genital trauma.
Patients with erectile dysfunction need to be correctly diagnosed and treated for the right cause. At that time, the success rate of surgery will be higher, and at the same time limit the possibility of unwanted complications.