Effects of Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). The improvement of ED after medical therapy including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) is still controversial. Furthermore, the efficacy of surgical treatment has been little investigated. Aim The aim of this nonrandomized prospective study was to evaluate the effects of surgical (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty [UPPP]) and nonsurgical approaches (CPAP and MAD) on ED and quality of life (QOL) in OSAS. Methods OSAS patients underwent UPPP (N = 30), CPAP (N = 16), or MAD (N = 10) and completed the Korean versions of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (KIIEF-5) and the Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI) before and after a median of 7 months of treatment (interquartile range, 4–15 months). All patients underwent a full-night in-laboratory polysomnography at baseline and follow-up. Main Outcome Measure The main outcome measures are the KIIEF-5 and SAQLI scores. Results CPAP group showed older age, higher body mass index, and more severe OSAS than other groups. Apnea–hypopnea index and lowest oxygen saturation level improved significantly in all groups, but Epworth Sleepiness Scale score decreased significantly in UPPP and MAD groups. Significant increase of KIIEF-5 was observed in patients who underwent UPPP ( P = 0.039, paired t -test), but not in nonsurgical treatment group. All groups had the tendency of better QOL after treatment, but statistical significance was found only in MAD group. Neck circumference ( r = 0.360, P = 0.006) and KIIEF-5 score ( r = −0.484, P Conclusions This study demonstrated that ED in OSAS may improve following UPPP. Better disease-specific QOL was observed after both surgical and nonsurgical therapies in OSAS. These findings suggest that interventions for OSAS can provide the alleviation of ED and increase QOL in OSAS patients with ED, especially if they had pronounced complaints of ED and wide neck circumferences. Shin H-W, Park J-H, Park J-W, Rhee C-S, Lee CH, Min Y-G, and Kim D-Y. Effects of surgical vs. nonsurgical therapy on erectile dysfunction and quality of life in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A pilot study. J Sex Med 2013;10:2053-2059.