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Sexuality after surgery for diffuse low-grade glioma.
Werner Surbeck1, Guillaume Herbet1, Hugues Duffau1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland (W.S.); Department of Neurosurgery, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, Montpellier University Medical Center, Montpellier, France (G.H., H.D.); Institute of Neuroscience of Montpellier, INSERM U1051, Team "Plasticity of Central Nervous System, Human Stem Cells and Glial Tumors," Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier University Medical Center, Montpellier, France (G.H., H.D.).
Surgery for diffuse low-grade glioma (DLGG) can significantly impact sexual function. Over half of patients reported changes, with most experiencing sexual dysfunction post-operation, highlighting the need for sexual health discussions.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Neurological and neurocognitive outcomes after diffuse low-grade glioma (DLGG) surgery are established.
- The impact of DLGG resection on patients' sexual lives remains uninvestigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the consequences of DLGG surgery on patients' sexual experiences.
- To evaluate the prevalence and nature of sexual dysfunction following DLGG resection.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous questionnaires, including the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), were administered to 32 DLGG surgery patients.
- Patients had no neurological deficits, depression, or recent radiotherapy/chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- 53% of patients reported postoperative sexual changes, with 88% experiencing deterioration.
- Sexual dysfunction affected 60% of women and 29% of men.
- Right-sided resections correlated with orgasm difficulties; temporal lobe resections in men showed reduced sexual drive and arousal.
Conclusions:
- Sexual dysfunction is a common, yet under-addressed, consequence of DLGG surgery.
- Routine pre- and postoperative assessment of sexual health is recommended for DLGG patients.
