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Informing patients about the negative effect of nephrectomy on sexual function
Rikke S Christiansen1, Nessn Azawi1,2, Astrid Højgaard3
1Department of Urology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Objective:
The quality-of-life concept has increasingly gained attention, but an important aspect has been neglected, which is the sexual function of patients with kidney cancer after surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of nephrectomy on sexual function in patients with kidney cancer and the information patients received with this regard.
Material And Methods:
We conducted a retrospective study of patients who underwent nephrectomy or nephro-ureterectomy within a 5-year period at the Department of Urology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark. Among 310 patients having undergone surgery, 226 were still alive and eligible for participation. Their records were reviewed, and a validated questionnaire concerning their sex life was mailed to them. All participants were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview in person or by phone.
Results:
Of 154 former patients who replied, 95 were men (mean age, 66 years, range 37-89), 59 were women (mean age 63 years, range 26-87). A significant difference was observed regarding problems with sexual relationships prior to operation compared after (P<0.0001). Seven patients (5%) had been informed about potential effects and changes in their sex life following operation. Both male and female participants were worried about their sex life (61.4%). Among sexually active male responders, 54.7% reported having some degree of erectile dysfunction.
Conclusion:
Patients experience significantly more problems in their sexual relationships after surgery. Very few were informed about this, showing the need to offer sex counselling before surgery. More research is required to fully comprehend the magnitude of the problem.
Insights
Kidney cancer surgery significantly impacts sexual function, with most patients experiencing problems post-operation. Few patients received information about these effects, highlighting a need for pre-surgery counseling and further research.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Quality of life is crucial for cancer patients.
- Sexual function is often overlooked in kidney cancer survivorship.
- Nephrectomy impacts patients' sexual well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of nephrectomy on sexual function in kidney cancer patients.
- To assess the information provided to patients regarding sexual health post-surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 310 kidney cancer patients undergoing nephrectomy or nephro-ureterectomy.
- Validated questionnaires and semi-structured interviews used for data collection.
- 154 patients responded to the survey.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in sexual relationship problems after surgery (P<0.0001).
- Only 5% of patients were informed about potential sexual side effects.
- 54.7% of sexually active males reported erectile dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Kidney cancer surgery negatively affects sexual function.
- There is a critical need for pre-operative sexual health counseling.
- Further research is needed to understand the full scope of sexual dysfunction post-nephrectomy.
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