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A Comparative Study of Selective Dorsal Neurectomy, Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation, and Intragranular Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Premature Ejaculation

A Comparative Study to Assess the Role of Selective Dorsal Neurectomy Versus Pulsed Radiofrequency Neuromodulation Versus Intraglanular Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Patients With Lifelong Premature Ejaculation: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06777199
Enrollment
30
Registered
2025-01-15
Start date
2022-07-01
Completion date
2023-05-01
Last updated
2025-01-22

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Premature Ejaculation

Keywords

lifelong premature ejaculation, Microscopic Selective Dorsal Neurectomy, intraglanular Hyaluronic acid, pulsed radiofrequency ablation

Brief summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of three treatment methods for lifelong premature ejaculation (PE) in adult males. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does selective dorsal neurectomy, pulsed radiofrequency nerve ablation, or hyaluronic acid injection prolong intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT)? What are the differences in patient satisfaction and safety among the three treatments? In this study: Participants will be randomized into three groups (10 patients each). Group 1 will undergo selective dorsal neurectomy under local or spinal anesthesia. Group 2 will receive pulsed radiofrequency nerve ablation sessions. Group 3 will have hyaluronic acid injections into the glans penis under local anesthesia. Researchers will measure treatment outcomes using: Stopwatch measurements of IELT. Patient-reported questionnaires (IPE, PEP). International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) to confirm no erectile dysfunction.

Detailed description

This randomized clinical trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of three treatment modalities for lifelong premature ejaculation (PE) in adult males. Premature ejaculation is a common male sexual dysfunction that significantly impacts quality of life, affecting relationships and psychological well-being. The study will compare three therapeutic approaches: selective dorsal neurectomy, pulsed radiofrequency nerve ablation, and intraglanular hyaluronic acid injection. Study Population: Male patients aged 18 years and older. Participants must have lifelong PE that has not responded to or cannot be continued with medical treatment. Patients with erectile dysfunction, severe comorbidities, or recent use of SSRIs or topical anesthetics will be excluded. Intervention Groups: Selective Dorsal Neurectomy (SDN): Performed under spinal or local anesthesia. Involves microsurgical dissection of the dorsal penile nerves to reduce glans sensitivity. Pulsed Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation (PRF): Involves neuromodulation of the dorsal penile nerves using pulsed radiofrequency energy. The goal is to reduce glans sensation while preserving nerve function. Hyaluronic Acid Injection: Hyaluronic acid is injected into the glans penis using the multiple puncture technique under local anesthesia to reduce sensitivity. Outcome Measures: Primary Outcomes: Prolongation of intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) using stopwatch measurements. Improvement in patient-reported outcomes via validated questionnaires (IPE, PEP). Secondary Outcomes: Improvement in patient and partner sexual satisfaction. Presence of voluntary control of ejaculation. Reduction in stress and psychological distress. Study Design: A total of 30 patients will be randomized into three equal groups (10 patients per group). The follow-up period includes evaluations at 1 month and 3 months post-intervention. Diagnostic tools include IELT stopwatch measures, penile duplex ultrasound, and questionnaires. Statistical Analysis: Data will be analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and comparative tests (paired t-tests, Chi-square tests) will determine the significance of results. This study aims to provide evidence-based guidance on the optimal treatment strategy for lifelong premature ejaculation, focusing on efficacy, safety, and patient satisfaction.

Interventions

PROCEDUREMicroscopic Selective Dorsal Neurectomy (SDN)

Selective dorsal neurectomy (SDN) involves microsurgical dissection and partial transection of the dorsal penile nerves to reduce glans sensitivity. The procedure is performed under spinal anesthesia or local anesthesia with 1% lidocaine. A midline or dorsal sub-coronal incision is made 1 cm proximal to the coronal sulcus. The skin is retracted, exposing the Dartos fascia and Buck's fascia to reach the neurovascular bundle (two dorsal penile nerves lateral to two dorsal penile arteries). Every other nerve on either side of the corpora cavernosa is transected to damage approximately 50% of the nerve supply to the glans. Suturing is done using 7-0 or 8-0 prolene sutures, and the incision is closed. Patients are evaluated at 1 month and 3 months post-procedure for IELT, AIPE, and PEDT scores to determine success.

PROCEDUREPulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) Nerve Ablation

Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) nerve ablation aims to reduce sensitivity of the dorsal penile nerves using low-energy radiofrequency pulses. Under sterile conditions, a 22-gauge RF cannula (5-cm-long, 10-mm active tip) is inserted into the flaccid penile skin at the 1-o'clock position for the right dorsal penile nerve. Sensory stimulation testing is performed at 50 Hz to identify the point of maximum glans sensitivity. Pulsed radiofrequency is applied at an energy output of 45 V for 180 seconds at 42°C (using the NeuroTherm generator). The procedure is repeated at the 11-o'clock position for the left dorsal penile nerve, ensuring both sides are treated. The goal is to ablate sensation over as large an area of the glans as possible without causing permanent nerve damage. Post-procedure, patients are evaluated at 1 and 3 months for IELT, AIPE, and PEDT scores.

PROCEDUREIntraglanular Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injection

Intraglanular hyaluronic acid (HA) injection involves administering HA gel into the glans penis to reduce its sensitivity. The circumference of the glans penis is divided into three circles (1 cm apart, starting from the base), and each circle is further divided into quarter circles. Topical anesthetic cream (Emla®, lidocaine 25 mg + prilocaine 25 mg) is applied for 30 minutes to numb the glans. Using two prefilled syringes of HA gel (Hyabell Ultra® 24 mg/ml with 0.3% lidocaine), 12 injections are administered into the deep dermis of the glans using a 27-G needle. Each injection site receives 0.25 ml of HA gel following the multiple puncture technique. Patients are evaluated at 1 and 3 months for IELT, AIPE, and PEDT scores to assess efficacy.

Sponsors

Ahmed Hamdy Ahmed
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)

Intervention model description

This study uses a parallel-group design with three independent intervention arms. Thirty male patients with lifelong premature ejaculation (PE) were randomly assigned into one of the following treatment groups: Group A: Selective dorsal neurectomy performed under spinal anesthesia. Group B: Pulsed radiofrequency nerve ablation under local anesthesia. Group C: Intraglanular hyaluronic acid injection under local anesthesia. Participants remain in their respective groups throughout the study, and outcomes, including intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), Arabic Index of Premature Ejaculation (AIPE), and Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) scores, are evaluated at 1 month and 3 months post-intervention.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* all male patients ≥ 18 years old who are having regular sexual life and suffering from lifelong premature ejaculation, not responding to medical treatment or not willing to continue on medical treatment

Exclusion criteria

* Patients suffering from ED * Patients suffering of several debilitating co-morbidities (uncontrolled DM, on corticosteroids or receiving immunosuppression therapy) * Patients suffering of neurological disorders * Patients receiving any kind of SSRIs or topical anesthetics within 3 months to treat LPE * Patients suffering from any other form of PE (i.e. acquired, subjective, variable PE)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Prolongation of intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT)1 month and 3 months
Improvement in patient-reported outcomes using the Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE) questionnaire1 month and 3 monthsThe IPE questionnaires scoring is normally classified to measure severity as follows: • IPE scoring (the lower the score, the higher the PE severity): Severe PE: 7-13 Moderate PE: 14-19 Mild to Moderate PE: 20-25 Mild PE: 26-30 No PE: 31-35
Improvement in patient-reported outcomes using the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) questionnaire1 month and 3 monthsThe PEDT questionnaire scoring is normally classified to measure severity as follows: • PEDT scoring (the lower the score, the lower the PE probability): Highly PE: ≥11 Borderline PE: 9-10 No PE: ≤ 8

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Improvement in patient and partner sexual satisfaction1 month and 3 monthsSexual Satisfaction Scale (SSS) Minimum Value: 4 (very dissatisfied across all items) Maximum Value: 20 (very satisfied across all items) Scoring: The SSS evaluates sexual satisfaction using four items rated on a 5-point scale: 1 = Very dissatisfied 2 = Dissatisfied 3 = Neutral 4 = Satisfied 5 = Very satisfied Interpretation: Higher scores indicate greater overall sexual satisfaction for the patient and their partner. Assessment Method: Patients and their partners independently complete the Sexual Satisfaction Scale (SSS) questionnaire. The total score is calculated separately for the patient and partner. The average score across both individuals is used for reporting overall satisfaction.
Presence of voluntary control of ejaculation1 month and 3 months

Countries

Egypt

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026