Login to Access Video or Poster Abstract: MP91-02
Sources of Funding: None

Introduction

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) has been proposed as an effective non-invasive treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of Li-ESWT by comparing change in erectile function as assessed by the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) between men undergoing Li-ESWT versus sham therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Methods

Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials that had been published in peer-reviewed journals or presented in abstract form of Li-ESWT used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction between January 2010 and March 2016. Randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion if they were published in the peer-reviewed literature and assessed erectile function outcomes using the IIEF-EF. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. The main outcome measure was the change in IIEF-EF after treatment with Li-ESWT in patients treated with active treatment and sham LiESWT probes.

Results

Data were extracted from 7 trials involving 602 participants. The average age was 60.7 years and the average follow-up was 19.8 weeks. There was a statistically significant improvement in pooled change in IIEF-EF from baseline to follow-up in men undergoing Li-ESWT compared to those undergoing sham therapy (6.40 points [95% CI: 1.78 to 11.02; I2 = 98.7%, P < 0.0001] vs. 1.65 points [95% CI: 0.92 to 2.39; I2 = 64.6%, P < 0.0001]; between-group difference, P = 0.047). Significant between-group differences were found for total treatment shocks received by patients (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials, treatment of ED with Li-ESWT resulted in a significant increase in IIEF-EF scores.

Funding

None