Failed Vein Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction: A Patient's Harrowing Experience

Xu Gengrong underwent venous stripping surgery, which was ineffective and resulted in subsequent complications?

About ten years ago, I discovered that I had erectile dysfunction.
The symptom was that as soon as any sexual stimulation stopped, my penis would quickly become flaccid and it was difficult to achieve an erection again.
After a series of medical consultations and examinations, I was diagnosed with venous insufficiency, also known as venous leak.
Most of the information available online suggests that this condition is treated through a venous stripping surgery.
However, due to the generally poor postoperative outcomes associated with this procedure, including a high likelihood of complications such as penile sensory loss, penile shortening and deformity, and short-lived results, most foreign doctors abandoned this method in the 1990s, labeling it as "an unethical surgery."
However, in Taiwan, there is a doctor named "Hsu Geng-Rong" who claims to have a unique venous stripping surgery that can resolve this issue, charging NT$300,000.
At that time, due to my limited financial resources and skepticism about the cure rate of this surgery, I did not consider this option seriously.
Over the next ten years, I sought better erectile function through medications like Viagra and Cialis, but last year I began to notice a significant decrease in their effectiveness, to the point of being completely ineffective.
In despair, I recalled Hsu Geng-Rong and, with a mindset of "a dying horse is treated as a live one," I went to consult him.
Hsu Geng-Rong was not an easy doctor to communicate with; often, he would speak about his own views while I expressed mine, resulting in very little exchange of information between us.
Nevertheless, feeling hopeless, I chose to undergo the "venous stripping" surgery with him.
The surgical process was quite bizarre; on the morning of the surgery, I was lying on the operating table, fully undressed and receiving IV fluids, when Hsu Geng-Rong suddenly asked me to add two more procedures: "varicocele repair" and "penile curvature correction." I believed I had no need for these additional surgeries, but he insisted, saying, "You're not very smart, are you? If you don't do it now, you'll have to undergo another surgery later; if the curvature isn't corrected, it might affect the results of the venous stripping."
In a state of mental weakness, I was persuaded to undergo these two additional surgeries, and he required payment and a signature before the operation.
Unable to move on the operating table, I had to ask my father to withdraw money and sign on my behalf, which was a shocking situation.
The total cost for the surgeries was NT$350,000 for the venous stripping, NT$75,000 for the varicocele repair, and NT$75,000 for the penile curvature correction, totaling NT$500,000.
This exorbitant cost only resulted in "worse erectile function than before the surgery," "a painful 11-hour local anesthesia procedure," "reduced sensitivity in multiple areas of the superficial nerves," and "occasional pain at the repair sites." Indeed, the results were very similar to what I had read online about "unethical surgeries."
Due to the lack of improvement and various complications post-surgery, I continuously asked Hsu Geng-Rong why this was happening.
Seeing that there was no solution, he performed a second surgery six months later.
I can only say that I was asking for trouble; the second surgery also yielded no improvement, and worse, it exacerbated the "reduced sensitivity in the superficial nerves." It has been over a year since the first surgery, and all conditions remain unchanged.
I have completely lost the motivation to live.
Doctor, what should I do now? Thank you.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/09

Dr. Chen Jiansheng reply Urology

Based on your description, it seems you have gone through a lot of hardship and suffering.
If you are in the northern part of Taiwan, you might consider visiting the Urology Department at National Taiwan University.
Dr.
Chang Hung-Chiang is currently the president of the Male Medicine Association and has extensive experience.
Dr.
Chang Yi-Kai specializes in male sexual function and is a promising young talent.
Perhaps these two doctors can provide you with some practical advice.

Reply Date: 2019/11/09

More Info

I'm sorry to hear about your challenging experience with erectile dysfunction and the subsequent surgeries you've undergone. It sounds like you've been through a lot, and it's understandable to feel frustrated and hopeless given the circumstances.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a complex issue, often stemming from a combination of physical and psychological factors. In your case, it appears that the primary issue was identified as venous leakage, which is a condition where the veins in the penis do not close properly during an erection, leading to a loss of rigidity. The traditional surgical approach to this problem has been venous ligation or stripping, but as you've noted, the outcomes can be variable and sometimes lead to complications, including nerve damage, penile shortening, and persistent erectile issues.

It's concerning that you felt pressured into additional surgeries that you did not believe were necessary. Informed consent is a critical aspect of any medical procedure, and patients should feel empowered to ask questions and fully understand the risks and benefits before proceeding. The situation you described, where you were asked to sign consent while already in a vulnerable position, raises ethical questions about the practice of medicine and the responsibilities of healthcare providers.

Given your current situation, where you are experiencing worsened erectile function and nerve sensitivity issues, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from a different urologist or a specialist in sexual medicine. A fresh perspective might provide new insights into your condition and potential treatment options. Here are some steps you might consider:
1. Consult a Specialist: Look for a urologist who specializes in erectile dysfunction and has experience with a variety of treatment modalities, including non-surgical options. They may suggest alternative treatments such as penile injections, vacuum erection devices, or even penile implants, depending on your specific case.

2. Psychological Support: Since erectile dysfunction can also have psychological components, consider speaking with a mental health professional who specializes in sexual health. Therapy can help address any anxiety, depression, or relationship issues stemming from your condition.

3. Lifestyle Modifications: Sometimes, lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on erectile function. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress.

4. Explore Other Medical Treatments: There are various medications available for erectile dysfunction, such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis). If you have not had success with these in the past, discussing them again with a new doctor might be worthwhile, as they can assess your current health status and any potential interactions with other medications.

5. Consider Clinical Trials: If conventional treatments have not worked for you, you might want to explore clinical trials for new therapies. Research institutions often conduct studies on innovative treatments for erectile dysfunction.

6. Support Groups: Connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges can provide emotional support and practical advice. Look for local or online support groups focused on erectile dysfunction.

7. Document Your Experience: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, treatments, and any side effects you experience. This information can be invaluable when discussing your case with new healthcare providers.

It's important to remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there are professionals who can help you navigate these challenges. Your health and well-being are paramount, and seeking out the right support can make a significant difference.

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