Aortic Anuerysm Surgery

  My husband [50 yrs] had a  CT to help prepare him for
  colon resection to remove a malignant tumor. The CT shwed
  an aortic anuerysm in the abdomin (abdomen) near the area needing
  surgery. This complicated his course of treatment, the
  bowel resection came frst, followed by a colostomy due to
  leakage. Then 6 weekw of weekly Chemo [5FU] and the
  anuerysm repair, which was succesful and has healed well.
  As soon as he was able additional chemo [continuous] and
  30 radiation treatments were followed by 6 weekly chemo
  treatments. My Question:  He had normal erections after
  the two initial surgeries and the first 6 weeks of chemo.
  Since the anuerysm repair he has had no erections at all
  and no apparent interest. Is it likesy that this is due
  to the aortic surgery? If so is there hope for return of
  normal function? Is there other more obvious causes? The
  Dr. who performed the bowel resection and colostomy told
  us that this was a posibiity because of the proximity of
  certain nerves. None of the other Drs. or the literature
  we recieved from them indicates that this would be a
  problem side effect from their procedures or treatment.  
  Thank You.  

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

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Dear Roxie,
Thank you for your question. The evaluation of erectile dysfunction is complex and your husband should seek the opinion of a Urologist for a complete work-up.  I suppose it is possible that the surgery caused some problem but there are other potential causes as well.  There are good treatments for erectile dysfunction and this is not an uncommon problem.  Encourage your husband to seek the opinion of a urologist for this condition.
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