[Does laparoscopic nephrectomy with vaginal extraction affect the sexual quality of life of patients?]

To evaluate the consequences of laparoscopic nephrectomy with vaginal extraction on sexual quality of life.

Sixteen patients (mean age: 53.8 years) who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy with vaginal extraction between September 2010 and February 2014 were included in this monocentric prospective study. All patients underwent a preoperative gynecological examination to evaluate the feasibility of vaginal extraction. The sexual function of the patients was evaluated using the French version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The patients completed an initial FSFI preoperatively then another postoperatively after the resumption of sexual activities.

The mean hospital stay was 2.2 days (0-5 days). No postoperative complications were observed except for one case of bleeding at the vaginal incision 4 days after surgery, resolved with a single suture under local anesthesia. Fifteen patients (94%) completed both the pre- and postoperative FSFIs. Three patients were sexually inactive and one was a virgin. The pre- and postoperative mean FSFI overall scores were 24.2 and 24.3 respectively (p=0.39). Scores were comparable in all six of the domains assessed by the questionnaire. Particularly, the pre- and postoperative scores for satisfaction were 4.5 and 4.4 respectively. No increase in dyspareunia was observed after surgery, nor was it more difficult for our patients to reach orgasm after the intervention. No statistically significant differences were observed between the pre- and postoperative FSFI scores.

Although preliminary, our results suggest that laparoscopic nephrectomy with vaginal extraction has no effect on the sexual quality of life of patients.