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Citation
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Williams M, Rosner I, Chen Y, Cullen J, Jezior J, Dean R. J. Urol. 2014; 193(2): 618-622. |
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Abstract
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PURPOSE: We examined the long term natural history of testosterone recovery in patients with complex battle injuries.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom patients having urologic surgical consultation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington DC, or at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, from 2001 to August 2011 was completed. Of the 192 patient charts reviewed, 138 (72%) had testosterone values available. An inclusion criterion of at least 2 testosterone values, including one obtained within 40 days of injury, was met by 84 (61%) of patients with testosterone data. Individuals with bilateral orchiectomy were not required to meet this inclusion criterion.
RESULTS: Patient's initial testosterone value after injury among those who comprised the testosterone recovery group was inversely proportional to the degree of scrotal injury. The patients recovered a testosterone level of at least 250ng/dl did so at a mean of 4.5 months following their injury. Patients who required testosterone replacement had a lower initial testosterone level (p=0.0063) and a lower testosterone velocity (p<0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of the velocity of testosterone recovery is a viable approach in male patients who have undergone significant genitourinary trauma. Those who recovered their testosterone did so within a mean of 5 months following their injury. It is reasonable to observe patients with scrotal injuries since many may recover their testosterone level without intervention.
Language: en |