QUALITY-OF-LIFE AFTER PARTIAL PENECTOMY FOR PENILE CARCINOMA

Objectives. To investigate the impact of partial penectomy on the qual ity of life of patients with carcinoma of the penis. Methods. Fourteen patients who had undergone partial penectomy for penile cancer were s tudied. Their median age was 50.5 years and the median time of follow- up was 11.5 months. The quality of life was evaluated in three dimensi ons: social adjustment, sexuality, and emotional state, The patients u nderwent a semistructured interview and were asked to complete the Ove rall Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, the Social Problem Questionnair e, the General Health Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depr ession Scale. Results. In 9 (64%) patients, the overall sexual functio n was normal or slightly decreased. Only 2 (14%) men had precarious or absent sexual function. The masculine self-image and the relationship with their partners remained practically unchanged in all the patient s. Sexual interest and satisfaction remained normal or slightly reduce d in 9 and 12 patients, respectively. The frequency of sexual intercou rse was unchanged or slightly decreased in 9 patients. Three patients had no sexual intercourse after surgery. No significant levels of anxi ety and depression were found. Within the areas of living conditions, family life, and interactions with other people, all the patients rema ined as they were before the surgery. Conclusions. Patients who underg o partial penectomy for penile cancer can maintain the quality of life (in social, psychological, and sexual terms) at levels similar to tho se that existed in the period before surgery. (C) 1997, Elsevier Scien ce Inc. All rights reserved.