Sexual function following high retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy.

The mechanism of infertility after high retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was studied in 36 patients. In 35 patients infertility occurred because of unavoidable seminal vesicular and ductus deferential sympathetic denervation, with consequent aspermia. Potency and orgasm were unchanged in all patients and there was no evidence of retrograde ejaculation. The findings suggest that sympatholytic drugs be studied for possible application as reversible male contraceptives.