Sexual dysfunction after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: 16 years’ experience in a quaternary center and literature review

Abstract

Background Open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair can lead to sexual dysfunction (SD) in men. Objectives To determine the prevalence of SD following open AAA repair, explore whether surgical techniques for aortic reconstruction can have a differential impact on the occurrence of SD, and summarize current knowledge in this field. Methods Retrospective review of 100 patients submitted to open AAA repair between 1995 and 2010 in a quaternary center. Sexual dysfunction was assessed according to questions from the modified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), considering the condition before surgical repair and 3 months after surgery. The chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Student’s t test were used for statistical analyses. Results 100 patients were included (mean age = 66.4 years old). Normal sexual activity, no sexual activity, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation with preserved erectile function were found in 36%, 21%, 18%, and 24% of patients, respectively. The group of patients with no sexual activity was older (mean age = 72.3 years old vs 64.5 years old, p < 0.001). Erectile dysfunction prevalence was higher in patients submitted to an aorto-bifemoral bypass (p = 0.032). Retrograde ejaculation was more frequent in patients submitted to an aorto-aortic bypass (p = 0.007). Conclusions Sexual function is a frequent condition intimately associated with the aortic reconstruction technique. The literature review found contradictory results regarding whether the endovascular approach is protective compared with open repair, but clearly demonstrated the importance of techniques targeting preservation of the internal iliac artery and the superior hypogastric plexus.