WMSM 2012 - Determining the optimal erectile function domain score cutoff after radical prostatectomy (RP) - Session Highlights

CHICAGO, IL USA (UroToday) - This session reported on a study of 178 men to determine the optimal erectile function domain (EFD) score after radical prostatectomy against a sexual satisfaction rating system. An EFD score of 25 represents the optimum score for intercourse satisfaction.

wmsmThis data may be helpful to define a successful recovery after radical prostatectomy. (Note: IIEF is the current gold standard instrument for defining EF. The EF Domain includes 6 questions scored 0-30 and an EFD score of 26 represents no erectile dysfunction. The REINVENT study reported an EFD score of 22 but did not assess the impact of these cut-off scores on sexual satisfaction.)

In another study, 35 male patients (mean age 59) took part in focus groups discussing ED, treatments, and compliance with erectile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy. The qualitative results indicated these patients were frustrated over the lack of information and frustrated and embarrassed about ED. This patient group was also anxious, fearful, and lacked confidence resulting in avoidance of sexual situations. For some, extreme distress and depression resulted. The research team suggested interventions should target the avoidance.

Dr. Nelson also reported on a separate trial of 561 patients where the importance of nerve sparing surgery in men with borderline erectile dysfunction was studied (Nerve sparing score and erectile function recovery after radical prostatectomy: Assessment of intersurgeon variability). In a study of surgeon variability (5 surgeons doing high-volume, high-quality surgeries: 561 men), the group investigated subjective qualities of nerve-sparing scoring (NSS). A nerve sparing score is “2” when both nerves are spared on both sides. Erectile function is assessed over 24 months, graded on a 5-point scale.

In this study, there was no significant variability in EF recovery between surgeons when adjusted for the NSS, and this data supported the use of an institution-wide nerve-sparing scoring system.

Presented by Christopher Nelson, PhD* at the annual World Meeting on Sexual Medicine (WMSM) - August 26 - 30, 2012 - Sheraton Chicago - Chicago, Illinois USA

*Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 

 


 Reported for UroToday by Karen Roberts, Medical Editor