AUA 2019: Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: Is There Any Long-Term Impact On Quality of Life, Body Image, and Sexual Function?
Quality of life was evaluated by the patient global impression improvement (PGII) questionnaire and patient body image impression following cystectomy. Sexual function was assessed using a validated questionnaire, the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system sexual function and satisfaction questionnaire (PROMIS-SFQ).
There were 23 patients with mean age 52 + 15 years and mean postoperative follow up 25 + 7 months. All patients underwent open cystectomy with vaginal length preservation and ileal conduit diversion. Twenty patients (87%) reported improvement in suprapubic pain and overall quality of life (p=0.037). PGII were inversely correlated with age (p=0.012). Ileal conduit had a higher impact on body image of younger patients (p=0.006) and patients with shorter follow up (p=0.03). Postoperative sexual activity was reported by seven patients (30%). All sexually active women reported vulvar and vaginal discomfort during sexual intercourse (p=0.049). Lack of interest (59%), vaginal dryness (17%), and difficult to achieve orgasm (7%) were the main sexual-related complaints (p=0.017).
The authors concluded that Simple cystectomy in female patients with IC/BPS and low BC improves pain symptoms and quality of life. However, the sexual function appears to be adversely affected. This information should be utilized for pre-operative surgical counseling.
Presented by: Joao Zambon, MD Ph.D., Wake Forest University, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM)
Co-authors: Kshipra Hemal, Robert Evans, Gopal Badlani, Steve Walker, Andre Plair, Whitney Smith, Candice Parker-Autry, Catherine Matthews, Winston Salem, NC
Written by: Bilal Farhan, MD, Clinical Instructor, Female Urology and Voiding Dysfunction, Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine @BilalfarhanMD at the American Urological Association's 2019 Annual Meeting (AUA 2019), May 3 – 6, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois