Erectile dysfunction after anterior urethroplasty: a prospective analysis of incidence and probability of recovery--single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and probability of recovery of erectile dysfunction after different types of one-stage urethroplasties for anterior urethral stricture disease.

METHODS: Seventy-eight men undergoing single-stage anterior urethroplasty from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2010 were followed prospectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n=25)-penile substitution urethroplasty; group 2 (n=32)--primary excision anastomotic bulbar urethroplasty; and group 3 (n=21)--bulbar substitution urethroplasty. Patients willing to participate completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) preoperatively and then on subsequent follow-up visits at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months after urethroplasty. Pre- and post-urethroplasty erectile functions were compared.

RESULTS: Our mean follow-up period was 15.50+2.389 months. The mean age (years) was similar among groups. The mean stricture length (cm) was 4.78±0.747, 2.95±0.658, and 6.13±0.981 in-groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (P=.001). Mean preoperative IIEF score was 24.60±2.365 (similar among groups). Erectile dysfunction (ED) was found in 15 (20%) patients: 4/25 (16%), 9/32 (28%), and 2/21 (10%) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Mean postoperative decline (3 months) in IIEF score was 22.54±4.823. Overall, the decline was not significant among groups (P=.502.) Recovery of erectile function was seen in 75/78 (96%) men at a mean follow-up time of 5.63±2.59 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Anterior urethroplasty has a probability of causing ED in as much as 20% of patients. The type of urethroplasty has no significant effect on ED. Recovery of erectile function occurs within 6 months of urethroplasty.