HJNO Jan/Feb 2026

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  JAN / FEB 2026 55 MatthewMutter, MD Urologist Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center dysfunction within major guidelines. Both theAmerican Urological Association and the Sexual Medicine Society of North America support continued scientific exploration and acknowledge its potential clinical value. LiSWT represents a regenerative thera- py that aligns closely with evolving survi- vorship priorities. While larger studies are needed, its biological rationale, excellent safety profile, and promising results across multiple domains of male pelvic health posi- tion it as a meaningful option within com- prehensive survivorship clinics. Continued research, standardized treatment protocols, and collaborative multidisciplinary care will help clarify its long-term role in restoring pelvic health, sexual function, and overall quality of life for men recovering frompelvic cancer treatment. n Matthew Mutter, MD, serves as a urologist at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Metairie. A native of Metairie, he earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiol- ogy from Louisiana State University, and a medical degree at LSU Health Sciences Center. In 2015, he finished his urologic residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Fol- lowing his residency, he spent a year in Memphis as a clinical instructor of urology before joining the LSU Department of Urology in New Orleans as an assistant professor. He specializes in general urol- ogy, with a particular focus on men’s health, benign prostatic conditions,erectile dysfunction,and urinary stone management. often report strong adherence, minimal adverse effects, and improved patient en- gagement in overall pelvic health recovery. The most robust data for LiSWT in male pelvic health supports its use in chronic pelvic pain syndromes. Studies consistent- ly show reductions in pain intensity, im- provements in sexual function, and relief of urinary symptoms. These benefits are believed to arise from anti-inflammatory effects, relaxation of hypertonic pelvic floor musculature, and enhanced tissue perfusion. For men whose pelvic pain is refractory to medications, pelvic floor physical therapy, or behavioral interventions, LiSWT offers a safe, well tolerated and evidence-based adjunctive option. Modern cancer survivorship models ad- dress cancer surveillance and recurrence prevention but also emphasize long-term quality of life, emotional health, and func- tional recovery. LiSWT fits naturally into these models. Its incorporation into stan- dardized post-prostatectomy or post-ra- diation rehabilitation pathways may com- plement early pelvic floor therapy, early initiation of erectile rehabilitation medica- tions, and psychosocial support services. As an emerging therapy, LiSWT remains classified as investigational for erectile shockwaves rather than radial acoustic pulses. LiSWT influences multiple pathways rel- evant to erectile recovery. These include in- creased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, improved nitric oxide signal- ing, and enhanced neovascularization within erectile tissues. Randomized trials in vascu- logenic erectile dysfunction demonstrate clinically meaningful improvement in erec- tile function scores, and outcomes may be further enhanced when LiSWT is combined with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors or incorporated into a structured sexual reha- bilitation plan. What is still unknown is the duration of improvement. The most-widely accepted thought is that improvement is likely transient in duration and follow-up treatments are likely needed. Finding a Place in Restoring Long-Term Pelvic Health Evidence specifically in post-prostatec- tomy men is still emerging, though it seems encouraging. Early clinical studies suggest improvements in penile blood flow, earlier return of spontaneous erections, and mean- ingful patient reported satisfaction. Survi- vorship programs that include LiSWT with- in a multimodal rehabilitation framework “Modern cancer survivorship models address cancer surveillance and recurrence prevention but also emphasize long-term quality of life, emotional health, and functional recovery.”