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Abstract

Abstract Title

A randomised controlled trial investigating the feasibility of electroacupuncture in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy.

Presentation Type

Podium Abstract

Manuscript Type

Clinical Research

Abstract Category *

Novel Advances: Robotic Surgery

Author's Information

Number of Authors (including submitting/presenting author) *

No more than 10 authors can be listed (as per the Good Publication Practice (GPP) Guidelines).
Please ensure the authors are listed in the right order.

Co-author 1

Emma Wong emma.wong@westernsydney.edu.au Western Sydney University National Institute of Complementary Medicine Sydney Australia *

Co-author 2

Henry Woo henry.woo@lh.org.au Western Sydney University School of Medical Science Sydney Australia -

Co-author 3

Ruban Thanigasalam drruban.urology@gmail.com University of Sydney Sydney Australia -

Co-author 4

Juliette Cotte juliette.cotte21@gmail.com RPA Institute of Academic Surgery Sydney Australia -

Co-author 5

Judith Lacey judith.lacey@lh.org Western Sydney University National Institute of Complementary Medicine Sydney Australia -

Co-author 6

Sean Walsh s.walsh@westernsydney.edu.au Western Sydney University School of Health Sciences Sydney Australia -

Co-author 7

Suzanne Grant s.grant@westernsydney.edu.au Western Sydney University National Institute of Complementary Medicine Sydney Australia -

Co-author 8

Co-author 9

Co-author 10

Co-author 11

Co-author 12

Co-author 13

Co-author 14

Co-author 15

Co-author 16

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Co-author 18

Co-author 19

Co-author 20

Abstract Content

Introduction

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is a standard treatment for prostate cancer, but side effects like erectile dysfunction (ED) remain, with limited treatment options. This world-first randomised controlled trial evaluates the feasibility of electroacupuncture (EA) to support erectile function recovery after RALP.

Materials and Methods

Five surgeons were invited to participate in the study (ACTRN12621000886886). Participants were randomised into two groups: EA (n = 24) and standard care (SC) (n = 21). The EA group received 10 sessions of EA over 8 weeks. Validated questionnaires, the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) and Erection Hardness Score (EHS), were administered at baseline, week 4 (W4), and week 8 (W8). The individual administering the EA was blinded to the questionnaire responses for the duration of the study. The primary outcome was feasibility, which included study completion. Secondary outcomes included comparisons of EPIC and EHS scores at W4 and W8 between the EA and SC groups.

Results

45 participants were enrolled and completed the study. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) of the EPIC sexual domain, adjusted for baseline, showed no significant difference between EA and standard care at W4 (p = 0.24) and W8 (p = 0.21). However, paired t-tests revealed significant within-group improvement in the EA group at W4 (p = 0.01) and W8 (p = 0.002), unlike the SC group (W4: p = 0.84; W8: p = 0.09). The EHS also improved in the EA group from baseline to W8 (p = 0.05) compared to SC (p = 0.06).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the feasibility of EA in treating ED following RALP. Preliminary results suggest a favorable effect of EA compared to SC. Larger randomised controlled trials need to be conducted to further assess the utility of EA post-RALP.

Keywords

electroacupuncture, erectile dysfunction, robotic assisted radical prostatectomy, acupuncture, randomised controlled trial

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