Effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on the erectile function of Egyptian obese men

The primary aim of the study is to identify the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on the erectile function of Egyptian obese men via measurement of subjective feelings measured by the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5) and objective sex hormone test. The secondary aim of the study is to evaluate weight loss changes and changes in other blood test results.

One hundred Egyptian men with morbid obesity (mean BMI 45.5 kg/m², mean age 37.3 years) who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), were included retrospectively from the period of January 2022 to January 2024 on this study and 80 completed the 1-year follow-up. All operations were performed by the same surgical team in our hospital. Informed consents were taken from all the patients who were recruited in the study.

Significant reductions in comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and dyslipidemia were observed after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Sexual function improved notably in orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction, along with a significant rise in serum testosterone levels. Patients also experienced substantial decreases in weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, and improvements in lipid profile, HbA1c, inflammatory markers, and sex hormones. No severe complications or mortality were reported during the study period.

A significant enhancement in the erectile function was observed in obese Egyptian men following LGS. This improvement was evidenced both clinically through increased IIEF scores after surgery and biochemically through increased serum testosterone level.