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 provide long-term improvement of erectile function. We evaluated that claim after deep dorsal vein arterialization by a cross-sectional study of multifaceted male sexual function with the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Materials and Methods: We performed a mail survey of male sexual function after deep dorsal vein arterialization in 68 consecutive literate men who underwent surgery between 1984 and 1998 for severe erectile dysfunction. The IIEF questionnaire and a questionnaire on patient characteristics were answered 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 underwent deep dorsal vein penile arterialization had significantly higher scores for erectile function, sexual desire, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction. Conversely compared with normal controls these patients reported significantly lower erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction scores, whereas sexual desire scores were similar in the 2 groups. No correlations were noted of the 5 IIEF domains with the duration of followup after arterialization. When erectile function scores were graded, 25.0% and 28.1% of patients reported no and or mild dysfunction, respectively, while 15.6% still complained of severe erectile dysfunction. Conclusions: Long-term improvement in the various aspects of male sexual function was observed after deep dorsal vein penile arterialization in a significant proportion of patients.