Retrograde ejaculation after retroperitoneal lower lumbar interbody fusion.

We have studied the incidence and functional outcome of retrograde ejaculation as a postoperative complication of anterior lumbar interbody fusion. A questionnaire, specifically designed to analyse this problem, has been used over a 6 to 13 year follow-up. Out of 50 men, 41 completed the questionnaire; 2 complained they had permanent retrograde ejaculation after the operation; one stopped ejaculating for 6 months, and thereafter had a 50% reduction. The Dallas pain questionnaire showed that retrograde ejaculation did not have a negative effect on the functional outcome, but male genital dysfunction was a complication of anterior spinal fusion in 8% of cases.