Impotence following pelvic fracture urethral injury: incidence, aetiology and management

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the potency status of patients undergoing delayed perineal repair following a pelvic fracture urethral injury to determine the incidence and aetiology of impotence.

Patients and methods: Long-term potency (> 6 months post-operatively) was subjectively evaluated in 92 patients and correlated with their pre-operative and intra-operative findings. The management of their impotence was aso reviewed. Thirty original pelvic radiographs were assessed independently to determine if the pattern of bony injury was associated with the development of impotence.

Results: Fifty-seven patients (62%) remained impotent in the long term with a median follow-up of 48 months (range 12-128) and the operation did not render any potent patient impotent. Self-injection with vasoactive agents was successful in 24 of 27 (89%), suggesting a neurogenic aetiology in the majority. Bilateral pubic rami fracture was also associated with a high incidence of impotence.

Conclusion: Disruption of the cavernosal nerves lateral to the prostatomembranous urethra behind the symphysis pubis is the most likely cause of impotence in this injury.