In this 2014 (rat) study
www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/15/10/17204/pdf it appears that PDE5i BEFORE a prostatectomy may help with the regeneration of the Cavernosal nerves (the stuff that gives you a hardon). I wonder if future protocols for ED recovery might include taking PDE5is prior to an RRP as it favours neuron survival after nerve damage.
The conclusion reads:
Cavernosal nerve damage promotes activation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines together with an up-regulation of oxidative stress markers in MPG neurons. The
treatment with sildenafil resulted in stabilization of the oxidative stress level and prevention of inflammation in MPG neurons by modulating cytokines expression and
promoting a neuroprotective environment favoring neuron survival after nerve damage. In addition, initiation of the treatment right after surgery or even before the surgery will produce a better outcome in
promoting attenuation of the inflammatory response and activation of neurotrophic factors that will hence promote nerve regeneration. This data encourages further evaluation of PDE5 inhibitors as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agents.
One of our previous contributors mentioned that his operation took more than 4 hours and his URO ( a friend of his) packed his accoutrements in ice during the session to reduce inflammation. He suffered NO post operation ED. Interesting!
In my case, that horse has bolted long ago ... wished I had known some of this stuff before the op.