Evaluation of male sexual function by the International Index of Erectile Function after deep dorsal vein arterialization of the penis

Purpose: The objective of vascular surgery for erectile dysfunction is to p rovide long-term improvement of erectile function. We evaluated that claim after deep dorsal vein arterialization by a cross-sectional study of multif aceted male sexual function with the validated International Index of Erect ile Function (IIEF). Materials and Methods: We performed a mail survey of male sexual function a fter deep dorsal vein arterialization in 68 consecutive literate men who un derwent surgery between 1984 and 1998 for severe erectile dysfunction. The IIEF questionnaire and a questionnaire on patient characteristics were answ ered in a self-administered and nominative manner. Scores of the responders pertaining to the 5 domains of male sexuality were compared with those of the control groups used for the psychometric validation of the IIEF. Results: Of the patients 38 (55.9%) with a mean age plus or minus standard deviation of 46.5 +/- 11.9 years responded. Mean followup was 61.2 +/- 34.7 months. Compared to controls with erectile dysfunction controls men who un derwent deep dorsal vein penile arterialization had significantly higher sc ores for erectile function, sexual desire, orgasmic function, intercourse s atisfaction and overall satisfaction. Conversely compared with normal contr ols these patients reported significantly lower erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction scores, wherea s sexual desire scores were similar in the 2 groups. No correlations were n oted of the 5 IIEF domains with the duration of followup after arterializat ion. When erectile function scores were graded, 25.0% and 28.1% of patients reported no and or mild dysfunction, respectively, while 15.6% still compl ained of severe erectile dysfunction. Conclusions: Long-term improvement in the various aspects of male sexual fu nction was observed after deep dorsal vein penile arterialization in a sign ificant proportion of patients.