Assessment of Sexual Function in Male Patients Undergoing Hydrocelectomy and Their Partners

Plain-language summary

This study aimed to assess changes in sexual function in men undergoing hydrocelectomy and their partners. Male patients who underwent hydrocelectomy in our clinic between 2020 and 2024 were included in the study This study was designed as a prospective cohort. Sexually active male patients between the ages of 18 and 75 who underwent hydrocelectomy and had no history of previous scrotal surgery were included. Patients with postoperative complications such as large scrotal hematomas, mental or physical disabilities, or moderate to severe erectile dysfunction before surgery were excluded. Written informed consent was obtained from both the patients and their partners. Demographic and clinical data including age, comorbidities, previous surgeries, and the presence of penile abnormalities were recorded. Penile length was measured in a temperature-controlled room (23-25°C) under similar conditions for all patients. Measurements were taken in the flaccid state, from the base to the tip along the dorsal side, using a ruler marked in millimeters by the same physician. The size of the hydrocele was also recorded: the largest vertical diameter (top to bottom) was defined as the vertical size, and the largest horizontal diameter (side to side) as the transverse size. Sexual function was assessed through face-to-face interviews, with attention to social distancing. Questionnaires were administered before surgery and again one month after the operation. Male patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), which includes 15 items and a total possible score of 75, covering five domains: erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. Female partners were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), consisting of 19 items and six domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain, with a maximum score of 36. A post hoc power analysis was performed using G\*Power 3.1.9.7. Based on an effect size of 0.5 and a significance level of 0.05, a sample size of 44 was calculated to provide 90% power. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 20. Normality was checked using the Shapiro-Wilk test and P-P plots. Normally distributed data were presented as mean ± standard deviation, while non-normally distributed data were expressed as median (minimum-maximum). Categorical variables were shown as numbers and percentages. The Pearson Chi-square test was used for comparing categorical variables. The paired samples t-test was used to compare pre- and postoperative scores of the sexual function questionnaires. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

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