[Sachse internal urethrotomy. Is erectile dysfuction a possible complication?]

Erectile dysfunction is reported to be a complication of direct-vision internal urethrotomy by some authors in 2.2-10.6% of cases. It is caused by injury to the cavernous nerve by direct severance with the cutting blade, late fibrosis after extravasation and infection, or by a shunt between the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. The aim of this examination was to evaluate all internal urethrotomy patients from 1990 to 1999, regarding this kind of complication. Of 184 patients, 111 had to be excluded due to preexisting erectile dysfunction, malignancy, age over 75 years, or open surgery of the urethra before internal urethrotomy. Five patients died. Of 184,68 patients did not have erectile problems before the operation and only one complained about erectile dysfunction following direct-vision internal urethrotomy. Further examination showed an impaired arterial inflow in both arteriae penis profunda; cavernosography could not prove a shunt between the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum. Erectile dysfunction is a possible complication of direct-vision internal urethrotomy. External sphincterotomy at the 3- and 9-o'clock position, urethrotomy after injury or open reconstructive surgery of the urethra, and urethrotomy of long and dense strictures as well as a dilatation over 22 Chr. are known to cause this complication. To inform the patient concerning this kind of complication is recommended before urethrotomy.