Erectile and ejaculatory failure after transurethral prostatectomy

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical incidence of sexual dysfunction after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and to identify risk factors.

Setting: Havering Hospitals NHS Trust, Essex, UK.

Patients and methods: 253 patients who underwent TURP were assessed using a standard proforma regarding pre- and post-operative erectile and ejaculatory functions. The patients who developed post-operative erectile failure were compared with the unaffected group.

Results: 126 patients completed the study; 22 were pre-operatively impotent and remained so post-operatively. Of 104 patients who were sexually active 18 developed post-operative erectile impairment. Five patients (4.8%) had total erectile failure. Only 7% of patients retained ejaculation after the operation. Significant risk factors in the patients with post-operative erectile failure, were presentation with acute retention and development of profuse primary hemorrhage.

Conclusion: The study reaffirmed that there is a low but significant clinical incidence (4.8%) of erectile failure after TURP which is associated with certain risk factors. Ejaculatory failure was higher in incidence but carried a lower clinical significance.