ED is related to atherosclerosis risk factors. Of great clinical importance is the potential link between ED and coronary artery disease. Cardiopulmonary bypass (CAB) has been used for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for over 3 decades for surgical myocardial revascularization. The published articles discussing the effect of CABG on sexual function are few. Moreover these studies were based on questionnaires rather than Penile Duplex in the evaluation of sexual function. We herein evaluate the impact of CABG surgery on sexual function.

The present study included 100 patients who underwent CABG. The patients were evaluated by abridged form of International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF-5), Pharmaco-Penile Duplex Ultrasound and finally by the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE). Six months after surgery the erectile function of all patients was revaluated with the same preoperative procedures.

Postoperatively patients reported a significant increase in the frequency of intercourse per month (p<0.05). The number of patients with mild to moderate ED showed significant decrease after surgery (p<0.01). In addition the number of patients with severe ED showed a significant increase after surgery (p<0.05).

Postoperative readings obtained by the penile duplex showed no significant change but it showed an association with the change in sexual function postoperatively (p<0.001).

The EuroSCORE of patients showed a significant relationship to the change in erectile function after surgery (p<0.05).

Preoperative factors like IIEF-5 score, penile duplex and the EuroSCORE may predict the impact of CABG on sexual function.