[Maintaining Intimate Relationships After Total Penectomy: A Nursing Care Perspective].

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Sexual Health
• Psychosocial Care

Background:

• Sexuality and intimacy are often overlooked in Eastern cultures, leading to patient suffering.
• Penile cancer diagnosis and treatment, including penectomy, significantly impact a patient's physical and psychological well-being.
• Patients may experience emotional suppression, body image issues, and difficulty with intimacy post-surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case report on nursing care for a penile cancer patient undergoing penectomy.
• To explore the application of the EX-PLISSIT model in addressing intimacy concerns in cancer survivors.
• To demonstrate how nursing interventions can improve quality of life and life satisfaction in patients with penile cancer.

Main Methods:

• A case report of a 42-year-old male patient with penile cancer following total penectomy and urethral reconstruction.
• Nursing care provided using the extended permission, limited information, specific suggestion, intensive therapy (EX-PLISSIT) model.
• Information gathered through observation, interviews, and chart reviews, with a multidisciplinary team approach.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced surgical wound infection, emotional distress, body image disturbance, and avoidance of closeness.
• The EX-PLISSIT model facilitated education, communication, and recommendations regarding intimacy.
• Nursing care focused on affirming self-worth, adapting to body changes, and exploring postoperative intimate interactions.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary nursing care, utilizing the EX-PLISSIT model, can effectively address psychosocial and intimacy issues in penile cancer patients.
• Early nursing intervention is crucial for improving self-care, maintaining closeness, and enhancing life satisfaction post-penectomy.
• This case provides valuable insights for nurses caring for penile cancer patients to support their intimate relationships.