The Effects of Interstitial Laser Coagulation on Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
- Author:
Seok Su JO
1
;
Seong CHOI
;
Hyun Yul RHEW
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. schoi@ns.kosinmed.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Bengin prostatic hyperplasia;
Interstitial laser coagulation;
Quality of life;
Sexual dysfunction
- MeSH:
Ejaculation;
Humans;
Laser Coagulation*;
Male;
Orgasm;
Prospective Studies;
Prostate;
Prostatic Hyperplasia*;
Quality of Life*;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Treatment Outcome
- From:Korean Journal of Urology
2002;43(7):605-610
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To determine the impact of interstitial laser coagulation (ILC) on the quality of life and sexual function in patients with a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine patients treated with ILC were prospectively evaluated. The treatment outcome was evaluated 1, 3, 6 months and 1 year after the ILC with the international prostate symptom score (IPSS), the prostate volume, the peak urinary flow rate (Q-max), the post-void residual urine (PVR), and the quality of life assessment score. In addition, a self-reporting questionnaire including the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were completed before and 3 months after treatment to determine the impact on sexual function. RESULTS: ILC showed significant improvement in the clinical and voiding parameters (IPSS, Q-max, PVR, prostate size). After ILC, 76% of patients were satisfied with the treatment and the quality of life score improved significantly after 3 months. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the pretreatment and post-treatment erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction. However, the overall satisfaction score decreased from the pre-operative value of 3.05 to a post-operative value of 2.27 (p<0.05). An ejaculation loss or severe decrease in ejaculate volume was reported in 11 (23%) of the 46 patients followed up after ILC. Interestingly, only 5 (45%) of the 11 patients with a loss of ejaculation or severe decrease in ejaculate reported a deterioration of their sex life, while only 1 (4%) of the 23 without any change in ejaculate volume reported such deterioration. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant changes in sexual desire, erectile function, orgasmic function, and intercourse satisfaction with ILC. However, the overall satisfaction decreased after ILC. Post-treatment sexual dysfunction appears to be mainly related to the impaired ejaculatory function.
