Sexual dysfunction in testicular cancer patients subjected to post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection: a focus beyond ejaculation disorders.
Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) represents an integral part of multidisciplinary treatment of advanced germ cell cancer; however, it is associated with a high complications rate. The present study aimed to describe sexual disorders in 53 patients with testicular cancer who underwent full bilateral, non-nerve-sparing PC-RPLND in our institution, focusing beyond ejaculatory dysfunction. The International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used as diagnostic tool of male sexual functioning pre-operatively and three months after RPLND, while post-operatively patients were asked to describe and evaluate changes in selected sexual parameters. Study findings demonstrate mixed pattern of changes in sexual functioning, with no difference in erectile functioning before and after operation. However, orgasmic function and intercourse and overall sexual satisfaction were found significantly impaired post-operatively. Sexual desire and frequency of attempted sexual intercourses were found significantly increased post-operatively, in comparison with pre-operative levels. With regard to patients' subjective perception on sexual functioning alterations after PC-RPLND, a significant number of patients reported higher levels of sexual desire, no difference in erectile function and worse orgasmic function and satisfaction post-operatively. Thus, patients subjected to PC-RPLND should be closely and routinely evaluated due to close relationship of sexual dissatisfaction with secondary psychological disorders.
Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
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http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7090-7327
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Dimitropoulos
Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
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Karatzas
Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
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Papandreou
Department of Medical Oncology, Euroclinic, Athens, Greece.
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Daliani
Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
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Zachos
Department of Urology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Pisters
Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
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Tzortzis
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003075:Coitus / Q000523:psychology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004542:Ejaculation; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009373:Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D009948:Orgasm; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection; retroperitoneal lymph node dissection; sexual disorders; testicular cancer