Erectile dysfunction after open versus angioplasty aortoiliac procedures: a questionnaire survey.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication after aortoiliac surgery. The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of ED in patients with aortoiliac occlusive disease or aneurysm and evaluate the effect of revascularization by means of open surgery or iliac angioplasty/stenting upon erectile function by using the new International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. All male patients who had previously undergone open aortoiliac reconstruction or iliac angioplasty/stenting and who were alive at the time of this study were first contacted by telephone. Those who agreed to take part in the study were sent anonymous IIEF questionnaires. Patients were asked to recall their sexual function before and 3 months after the procedure. ED was defined as IIEF score of or =11), 10 patients (28%) developed ED following surgery, but none after angioplasty/stenting (p=0.003). As judged by the IIEF, a significant proportion of patients undergoing open and endovascular procedures experience worsening sexual function.