Early Relief of Erectile Dysfunction after Laser Decompression of Herniated Lumbar Disc

Abstract

Objective: The use of percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction caused by herniated disc disease is described. Summary Background Data: Disc herniation is often overlooked as a cause of erectile dysfunction, with few cases reported in the literature. Methods: Two patients with erectile dysfunction were treated with PLDD as outpatients. Results: In addition to the early return of erectile function in both cases, immediate pain relief was achieved in the second case. Follow-up visits confirmed continued normal sexual function and lack of pain. Conclusions: The literature now includes 23 cases well-documented cases of erectile dysfunction caused by spinal cord disc herniation. PLDD is a minimally invasive procedure that that can be used to treat herniation of intervertebral discs, which has been found to cause erectile dysfunction.