Liver transplantation improves erectile function in patients with end-stage liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Liver transplantation (LT) has been recognized as the most effective therapy for end-stage liver disease (ESLD). However, the question of whether LT can improve erectile function in patients with ESLD remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the association between LT and erectile dysfunction (ED).

METHODS

According to the PRISMA guidelines, studies were included after conducting searches in four databases from March 2024 onwards. These databases included PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase. The primary outcome of interest was to compare the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores between patients after and before LT. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to assess the relationship between LT and ED.

RESULTS

The results showed that the LT group had higher IIEF-5 domain scores for erectile function compared to the control group (SMD =-0.31, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.09), P=0.007). No heterogeneity or publication bias was detected in the results. Additionally, the IIEF-15 domain score was also found to be improved after LT. Specifically, the LT group had higher domain scores for erectile function (SMD =-0.77, 95% CI: -1.07 to -0.48, P<0.001), orgasmic function (SMD =-0.82, 95% CI: -1.12 to -0.52, P<0.001), sexual desire (SMD =-0.89, 95% CI: -1.19 to -0.59, P<0.001), intercourse satisfaction (SMD =-0.92, 95% CI: -1.22 to -0.62, P<0.001), and overall satisfaction (SMD =-0.87, 95% CI: -1.17 to -0.57, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested by our meta-analysis that LT may contribute to improvements in erectile function among men with ESLD. This improvement may be related to the remarkable improvement in endocrine hormone disorders observed after LT. However, future studies with better designs and larger sample sizes are still needed to confirm our conclusions. Additionally, attention to erectile function before and after surgery in patients with liver failure is crucial.