Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in living donors before and after nephrectomy in China

To investigate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in living donors before and after nephrectomy in China.

From January 2006 to December 2008, erectile function of 94 living donors was evaluated before and after nephrectomy by International Index of Erectile Function, version 5 (IIEF-5). A subanalysis was performed by splitting the total cohort into 2 age groups: those <40 years of age (group 1, n = 21) and those >or=40 years of age (group 2, n = 73).

Before and after nephrectomy, the prevalence of ED in group 1 was 9.5% and 19.0% respectively, and in group 2 was 38.4% and 56.2%. The difference between groups was statistically significant at the stage of preoperation (9.5% vs 38.4%, P = .012) and 12 months postoperation (19.0% vs 56.2% P = .003). Compared with the stage of preoperation, the prevalence of ED at the stage of postoperation was significantly increased at group 2 (38.4% vs 56.2%, P = .031), but not in group 1 (9.5% vs 19.0%, P = .663).

The prevalence of ED increased in living donors aged more than 40 years after nephrectomy in China. The change in sexual function of these living donors after nephrectomy should cause clinicians' attention.