Sexual function outcomes and risk factors of erectile dysfunction after surgical repair of penile fracture

To determine the erectile dysfunction (ED), overall sexual function, and risk factors for developing ED after surgical repair of penile fracture.

This was an ambispective observational study conducted from September 2014 to August 2019, which included 68 patients with a clinical diagnosis of penile fracture. The clinical presentation, etiology, and surgical details were recorded. Patients were contacted via telephone and called for follow-up. Their sexual function was objectively recorded using the sexual health inventory for men questionnaire, erection hardness grading scale, and the brief male sexual function inventory (BMSFI). Patients were categorized in 2 groups on the basis of ED. These 2 groups were compared on the basis of preoperative and intraoperative factors to determine the predictors of postoperative ED.

The mean age at presentation was 33.64±9.46 (range, 19-54) years. The most common mode of injury was injury during the sexual intercourse (78%). All the patients underwent surgical exploration through subcoronal degloving incision. On follow-up, 7 patients (11.3%) developed ED (mild ED, 5 patients; mild-to-moderate ED, 2 patients). Per BMSFI, 58 (93.5%) patients had no bothersome issues with their sexual life, and they were mostly satisfied. The significant risk factors for ED were age >50 years and bilateral corporal involvement.

Penile fracture is a true urological emergency, and prompt diagnosis by clinical acumen and emergent surgical exploration provide good functional results with low morbidity. The main predictors of postsurgical ED are increasing age (>50 years) and bilateral corporal involvement.