Sexual function after aortic surgery

Background:  Male patients attending for follow up after aortic surgery have often commented that there has been a change in their sexual function.Methods:  A survey of patients attending vascular outpatient clinic and private practice following aortic surgery was carried out by personal interview.Results:  Of those who were sexually active before operation, 40% thought that there had been a diminution in performance and 11% thought that there was some improvement. Similar results have been found in other centres.Conclusions:  Aortic surgery carries a risk of diminution in sexual function as a consequence of the operation. It is the duty of the surgeon to warn patients of this risk when seeking informed consent.