SEARCH
= Paid-up subscribersTURP does not adversely affect sexual function
20 Oct 2011
A long-term prospective study from Scotland has concluded that transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) does not damage erectile function. However, there is an important proviso in this study. Dr Jonathan Rees comments: 'While this was a prospective study with good long-term follow-up, there was a significant drop off in the number of patients completing the study, from 280 at baseline, down to 113 at 12 years. This could clearly lead to significant attrition bias, potentially in either direction with the possibility that drop out was due to sexual inactivity/ED or alternatively because of successful sexual function. Patients will often ask their GP whether TURP will adversely affect sexual function. What should we tell them? First, that there is not good evidence, but overall we suspect that in those with good sexual function preoperatively, the risk of postoperative ED is relatively low. We should proactively use any consultation with a patient with BPH to check that they have been asked about co-existing ED and offered treatment where appropriate. Medical therapy for ED with phosphodiesterase inhibitors has also been shown to have a significant beneficial impact on LUTS.'
This article can only be accessed if you are a registered user of thepractitioner.co.uk or a subscriber to The Practitioner.