title: [Erection and ejaculation disorders following retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in non-seminomatous testicular tumors].
abstract: From 38 patients, who had undergone retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in the period between April 1980 and October 1983, reliable statements were obtained referring to pre- and postoperative erectile and ejaculatory abilities. The thoracolumbar outflow (Th12-L3) of the centers for emission and psychogenic erection is usually damaged in this procedure. About 12% of the radically lymph node dissected patients complained of permanent erectile disturbances; 85% of the radically lymph node dissected patients revealed ejaculatory disorders, 58% of them with a total loss of ejaculation. About 50% of them showed a considerable psychic involvement. In 12 patients a modified lymph node dissection procedure was performed with the intention to preserve ejaculatory capability. Nevertheless 6 (50%) of them revealed postoperative ejaculatory failure, 3 of them with a total loss of ejaculation. Thus our own experiences and a review of the literature indicate that this modified lymph node dissection often fails in its purpose and can not always be considered a valuable procedure for preservation of ejaculation. The administration of sympathomimetic drugs and/or imipramine is a promising approach in the treatment of ejaculatory failure.
mesh_terms: D004542:Ejaculation / Q000187:drug effects; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008297:Male; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D013566:Sympathomimetics; D007099:Imipramine
vernacular_title: Erektions- und Ejakulationsstörungen nach retroperitonealer Lymphadenektomie (RLA) beim nicht seminomatösen Hodentumor.