Erectile function after posterior urethroplasty for pelvic fracture-urethral distraction defect injuries

To determine the specific effect of pelvic fracture-urethral distraction defect (PFUDD) injuries on erectile function (EF) in men after pelvic fractures, and to compare EF to that found in other studies of men who sustained pelvic fractures, as currently the relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and PFUDD has not been elucidated using validated questionnaires.

With approval from the institutional review board, patients who sustained a PFUDD injury and had a posterior urethroplasty from 1990 to 2004 were identified from a database. Patients were contacted by telephone, and those who were willing to participate were given the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Using unpaired Student's t-tests, IIEF scores were compared to normal controls, and to results of other studies of men sustaining pelvic fractures.

In all, 26 men completed the IIEF, among whom EF was compromised in 14 (54%), including eight with severe ED (31%). Orgasmic function and ejaculation was maintained. Men with a PFUDD had significantly worse EF than men in other series with pelvic fractures.

Men who sustain a PFUDD are at significantly greater risk of ED than those with no urethral distraction injury. Men with PFUDD injuries represent a target population for early penile rehabilitation programmes.