The relationship between erectile dysfunction and open urethroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Men's Health

Background:

• Urethral stricture treatment often involves urethroplasty.
• The impact of open urethroplasty on erectile function remains debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between open urethroplasty and erectile function.
• To assess the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) following urethroplasty.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.
• Literature search of Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to October 2012.
• Analysis of 23 studies including 1,729 cases.

Main Results:

• Anterior urethroplasty showed no significant difference in ED risk pre- or post-intervention.
• Posterior urethroplasty revealed a statistically significant increase in ED incidence (OR=2.51).
• Bulbar anastomosis for anterior urethroplasty had a higher ED incidence than oral graft techniques.

Conclusions:

• Urethroplasty's negative impact on erectile function is generally limited.
• Bulbar anastomosis may slightly increase ED risk in anterior urethroplasty.
• Trauma is a likely primary cause of ED in posterior urethroplasty.