OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of suprapubic prostatectomy by preset removable pouch suture on the sexual function of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODSRetrospective study was made on 110 cases of BPH that underwent suprapubic prostatectomy by preset removable pouch suture between Jan. 2000 and Sep. 2003. The sexual function changes were evaluated before and after surgery by IIEF-5.

RESULTSTwelve cases of post-operative ED (7 mild, 5 severe) post operative were found in 58 cases with normal sexual function pre-operatively. Among the 30 cases of mild pre-operative ED, 4 severe after operation, 5 restored to normal erection (>21 scores according to IIEF-5), and 21 had no significant change, Of the 22 cases in with severe pre-operative ED, 7 had higher IIEF-5 scores (4 became mild, and 3 had >21 scores). The changes of IIEF-5 scores before and after operation were not statistically different, which could be observed in morning erection (68% pre-operatively and 75% post-operatively). Post-operative retrograde ejaculation was found in 16 case (19%). Eighty percent of the patients thought that the suprapubic prostatectomy by preset removable pouch suture had no effect on male sexual function.

CONCLUSIONSuprapubic prostatectomy by preset removable pouch suture affects very little male's sexual function and is a safe method for the treatment of BPH patients.