Erectile Function Following High-energy Thick Loop Prostatectomy

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of the high energy cutting current that is used in conjunction with the thick loop on erectile function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) undergoing prostatectomy. Patients and methods: Seventy patients with BPH were included in this prospective study. All patients underwent transurethral vaporization resection of the prostate (TUVRP) using the "Wing" thick loop and 250-Watt cutting current. Potency questionnaire to define if the patient was fully potent, partially potent or impotent was obtained both pre operatively and 3 months post-TUVRP. Adequate preoperative counseling on the procedure and its outcome particularly in relation to sexual activity was given to all patients that were sexually active. Age of the patients, size of the prostate, resectate weight and operation time was recorded for correlation with erectile function post-TUVRP. Results:

• Prostate Impotence Electrovaporization Transurethral Resection Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Thick Loops