Change in intraoperative rectal temperature influencing erectile dysfunction following transurethral resection of the prostate

Background/PurposeIn this study, we assessed the relationship between changes in intraoperative rectal temperature and erectile function in patients who have undergone transurethral resection of the prostate.MethodsEighty-six potential patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia-induced lower urinary tract symptoms were studied. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1-small prostates (<40 ml) and group 2-large prostates (≥40 ml), as determined by transrectal ultrasound measurement. The intraoperative rectal temperature was evaluated using a transrectal thermosensor and the differences between the highest intra- and preoperative temperatures were recorded. The erectile function at baseline, at three months and at one-year postoperatively was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire.ResultsIntraoperative rectal temperature differences were 0.54 ± 0.24 °C for group 1 (n = 45) and 0.44 ± 0.20 °C for group 2 (n = 41), (p = 0.04). The IIEF-5 scores for group1 and group 2 were, respectively, 20.9 ± 1.6 and 20.6 ± 1.6 at baseline (p = 0.32), 17.3 ± 2.9 and 18.7 ± 3.2 (p = 0.037) at 3 months, 17.9 ± 2.7 and 18.7 ± 3.0 (p = 0.17) at 1 year postoperatively. The deterioration of erectile function at 3 months post-operatively was observed for both groups. The percentage of retrograde ejaculation between two groups was not significantly different (p = 0.33) at 1 year postoperatively.ConclusionOur study revealed that a higher intraoperative rectal temperature difference caused by transurethral resection of the prostate might affect the postoperative erectile function, particularly in patients with a small prostate.