Sexual function and satisfaction in men after laser treatment for penile carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluate sexual function, sexual satisfaction and cosmetic results after laser treatment of penile carcinoma.


METHODS
A total of 67 patients were treated at our clinic for penile cancer using combined carbon dioxide and neodymium:YAG lasers from 1986 to 2000. At the time of this study 58 men, with a mean age of 64 years were alive, of whom 46 (79%) agreed to participate in a structured face-to-face interview addressing sexual function, sexual satisfaction and cosmetic results. The length of time that had elapsed since treatment ranged from 6 months to 15 years (median 3 years).


RESULTS
Of 40 patients (87%) who had been sexually active before treatment 30 (75%) had resumed activities at the time of the interview. Unaltered erectile function after treatment was reported by 33 patients (72%), 10 patients (22%) reported decreased function and 3 (6%) reported improved function. Of the 46 patients 23 (50%) were satisfied/very satisfied with their sexual life. After treatment only 3 of 30 (10%) of the evaluable men had dyspareunia. The cosmetic results were considered satisfying/very satisfying by 36 (78%) men.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser treatment of localized penile carcinoma preserves the penis and generally provides satisfactory sexual function and cosmetic results.
Windahl
T
T
Department of Urology, University Hospital, Orebro, Sweden. torgny.windahl@orebroll.se
Skeppner
E
E
Andersson
S-O
SO
Fugl-Meyer
K S
KS
D000368:Aged; D004542:Ejaculation; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D010410:Penile Erection; D010412:Penile Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012725:Sexual Behavior