Comparing Sexual Dysfunction Following Open Prostatectomy and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate

Enlarged prostate places pressure on the urethra and causes urinary problems, the treatment of which is medication and surgery. The effect of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on sexual function is still controversial in patients with benign prostate enlargement. This study aimed at comparing sexual function in patients with open prostatectomy and TURP before and after surgery.

This cross-sectional study was performed in 100 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia aged 50-75 years who underwent surgery in 2019 in hospitals affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences based on prostate size in two groups of 50 TURP (n=50) and open prostatectomy (n=50). Patients' sexual function was evaluated and compared between the two groups using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), before and three and six months after the surgery. Data analysis was done applying Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, t-test, and analysis of variance.

The mean age in TURP group was 71.42 ± 6.27 and in open prostatectomy group was 73.40±5.91 years. The total scores for the IIEF-15 before, three, and six months after the open prostatectomy group were 37.40 ±10.82, 37.74 ±9.21, and 38.22 ± 9.31, respectively, and in TURP group were 23.40±7.62, 37.34±7.38, and 37.29±7.11, respectively. The scores showed no significant differences in sexual function between the two procedures (P>0.05). Intense sexual dysfunction was seen in five (10%) patients and eight (16%) patients, six months after TURP and open prostatectomy, respectively. Mild dysfunction was not observed after TURP, but it was seen in two (4%) patients after open prostatectomy.

In current study, open prostatectomy and TURP did not affect sexual function.