Study of Sexual Function in Patients with Prostate Cancer Prior to Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy

Objective: It is well known that post-operative incontinence and erectile dysfunction are common problems following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for PCa. A systemic review found that the average potency recovery rates after 12 months were 55-81% for patients treated with LRP. This is the preoperative study of sexual function in our center for patients with PCa who will be treated with LRP. Design and Method: A preoperative visit that included clinical history and sexual history was performed to 50 patients, who were recommended to come along with their partner. At the same time, patients responded to questionnaires about erectile function (IIFE) and scale of rigidity, the last one being answered both by the patient and their partner. A complete physical examination and penile Doppler ultrasound were also performed with prior administration of Caverject 20mcg intracavernous. Results: Average IIFE total: 41.7, IIFE erectile f. domain: 18.04 and scale of rigidity: 3. Mean ultrasound results were ACD diameter: 0.71mm and ACI diameter: 0.72mm, ACD systolic flow 33.37 cm/s and ACI systolic flow: 39.59cm/s and ACD diastolic flow 6.97cm/s and ACI diastolic flow 5.81 cm/s. It was considered that 14 patients (36%) had erectile dysfunction, 10 of them arterial dysfunction, 3 venous leak and 1 mixed. Conclusions: We realized that 36% of the patients studied had erectile dysfunction before surgery, so we believe that an early rehabilitation program of sexual function may improve current results after surgery.