Researchers identify link between nephrectomy, ED

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego and the University of Tennessee, Memphis, have identified a link between total nephrectomy and erectile dysfunction.

"This is the first study in medical literature to suggest that surgery for kidney removal can negatively impact erectile function, while partial kidney removal can protect sexual function," said senior author Ithaar Derweesh, MD, of the UC San Diego School of Medicine.

The retrospective study, which was published online in BJU International (July 3, 2012), evaluated two cohorts of men, totaling 432 patients, who underwent surgery for renal cell carcinoma. One group underwent nephrectomy while the other had kidney-sparing surgery. Sexual function was assessed pre- and postoperatively with the International Index of Erectile Function.

"What we are seeing is a dramatic yet delayed effect. Approximately 6 years after surgery, patients who had a total nephrectomy were 3.5 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction compared to those who had kidney reconstruction," Dr. Derweesh said.

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