Quality of Life Evaluation after Partial Penile Amputation for Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is most prevalent in developing countries. Both the physiological and psychological consequences for the patient are critical. These consequences result from both the cancer diagnosis and the treatment's effects.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients who have undergone partial penile amputation in terms of general well-being, sexual function, and urinary function.

This retrospective observational study included 32 patients who underwent partial penile amputation. The european organisation for research and treatment of cancer core quality of life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ C-30) questionnaire was completed postoperatively. Erectile function and satisfaction were assessed retrospectively after partial penile amputation using the International Index of Erectile Function-15.

The mean age of the patients was 54.03 ± 16.02 years. The mean scores for erectile function, orgasm, sexual desire, satisfaction, and overall satisfaction were 16.28 ± 10.83, 7.50 ± 3.30, 5.72 ± 3.35, 8.84 ± 4.77, and 9.12 ± 0.83 preoperatively, and 14.03 ± 8.61, 6.88 ± 2.97, 5.72 ± 3.35, 7.94 ± 4.09, and 7.81 ± 1.00 postoperatively. Mean erectile function, orgasm, satisfaction, and overall satisfaction were significantly decreased postoperatively compared with preoperatively. Erectile function and overall satisfaction improved more in younger years from the preoperative to the postoperative period, whereas they improved less in older years.

Although partial penile amputation for penile cancer provides adequate local disease management, appropriate counseling is crucial, especially when the QoL concerns general well-being, sexual function, and urinary function.