Influence of Simple and Radical Cystectomy on Sexual Function and Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Female Patients: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Sex Disparities in Bladder Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Gender differences in prevalence, tumor invasiveness, response to treatment, and clinical outcomes exist in different types of cancer. The aim of this article is to summarize the sex disparities in bladder cancer diagnosis and treatment and try to suggest areas for improvement. Although men are at a higher risk of developing bladder tumors, women tend to be diagnosed with more advanced stages at diagnosis and are more likely to present with upfront muscle-invasive disease. Non-urothelial histological subtypes are more frequently reported in women. Regarding non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), several studies have shown that women have a higher risk of disease recurrence after treatment with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, due to different immunogenicities. In localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cystectomy are less likely to be performed on women and sexual-sparing procedures with neobladder diversion are rarely offered. Finally, women appear to have a poorer prognosis than men, potentially due to the sex-associated intrinsic features of hosts and tumors that may drive differential therapeutic responses, particularly to immune-based therapies. Women are also more likely to develop severe adverse events related to systemic therapies and are underrepresented in randomized studies, leading to a gap between the real world and trials. In conclusion, studies investigating the role of sex and gender are urgently needed to improve the management of urothelial carcinoma.

Reproductive organ involvement in women undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial bladder cancer: a nationwide multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Radical cystectomy in women generally includes the removal of the uterus, ovaries, and anterior vaginal wall, but the criteria for reproductive organ sparing are not clear.

METHODS

A total of 2674 patients with bladder cancer were retrospectively reviewed, having undergone cystectomy at this nationwide multicenter from January 2013 to December 2019. We evaluated the incidence of malignancy in reproductive organs in a cohort of 417 women and analyzed the clinicopathological features of reproductive organ involvement. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were reported using Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 36.9 months. Of the 417 patients with urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, 325 underwent hysterectomy, and 92 had a spared uterus and anterior wall of the vagina. Twenty-nine (8.9%) patients exhibited reproductive organ involvement; this consisted of 22 (6.8%) uteri, 16 (4.9%) vaginas, and two (0.6%) ovaries. Incidental primary reproductive malignancies were found in only two (0.6%) patients. Recurrence-free survival and overall survival were significantly shorter in patients with reproductive organ involvement than in those without. Patients with reproductive organ involvement were more likely to have tumors with ≥ cT3 or sub-localization at the posterior/trigone/bladder neck.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of reproductive organ involvement cannot be ignored in women undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, therefore, the eligibility criteria for reproductive organ preservation should be considered carefully.

Association between bladder cancer treatment and female sexual function

INTRODUCTION

Bladder cancer ranks 17th in prevalence of cancer types among women, and the trend is rising. The increased risk of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) after radical cystectomy (RC) underscores the need for greater focus on preserving and mitigating FSD.

OBJECTIVES

To place greater emphasis on the importance of female sexual function (FSF) in the treatment of bladder cancer and stimulate additional research to discover more effective solutions for enhancing the overall quality of life.

METHODS

This review used a narrative approach. Previous reviews on FSF after RC have provided limited and 1-sided solutions due to the lack of research. What makes this review unique is its innovative approach: it includes all available measures curing FSD as well as comparative analyses based on experimental data, thus making the findings more comprehensive. A detailed perspective of treatments for female bladder cancer is provided, including nerve- and organ-sparing RC, robot-assisted RC, and radiotherapy. We also analyze the impact of treatments for female bladder cancer on postoperative FSD. Additionally, solutions for addressing or alleviating postoperative FSD are summarized, such as urinary diversion, vaginal reconstruction, and drug and nondrug treatment.

RESULTS

Research has suggested that robot-assisted nerve- and organ-sparing RC is promising. Moreover, orthotopic neobladder among urinary diversions without a stoma helps to maintain a positive female body image. If part of the anterior vaginal wall must be removed during RC, vaginal reconstruction can restore the dimensions with synthetic grafts and biologic scaffolds. Additionally, postoperative measures, such as vaginal laser and hormone therapy, and use of vaginal dilators and lubricants have a significant role in reducing distress caused by FSD to provide maximum relief.

CONCLUSIONS

To support FSF after RC, various interventions are needed, and urologists must focus on patient recovery while minimizing treatment impact on FSF as much as possible.

Radical cystectomy in the female patient: The pelvic floor, sexual function, and patient/provider education

Radical cystectomy in women results in numerous deleterious anatomic impacts to the pelvic floor that can result in sexual dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and other disorders of pelvic floor function. A comprehensive understanding of this relationship and the quality-of-life impacts of radical cystectomy in women is important. This narrative review provides an overview of female pelvic floor disorders in the setting of radical cystectomy, with focus on present understanding of related anatomy, incidence, and prevention strategies, as well as the importance of both provider and patient education.

European Association of Urology Guidelines on Muscle-invasive and Metastatic Bladder Cancer: Summary of the 2023 Guidelines

CONTEXT

We present an overview of the updated 2023 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines for muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer (MMIBC).

OBJECTIVE

To provide practical evidence-based recommendations and consensus statements on the clinical management of MMIBC with a focus on diagnosis and treatment.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A broad and comprehensive scoping exercise covering all areas of the MMIBC guidelines has been performed annually since 2017. Searches cover the Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Libraries databases for yearly guideline updates. A level of evidence and strength of recommendation are assigned. The evidence cutoff date for the 2023 MIBC guidelines was May 4, 2022.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Patients should be counselled regarding risk factors for bladder cancer. Pathologists should describe tumour and lymph nodes in detail, including the presence of histological subtypes. The importance of the presence or absence of urothelial carcinoma (UC) in the prostatic urethra is emphasised. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the bladder is superior to computed tomography (CT) for disease staging, specifically in differentiating T1 from T2 disease, and may lead to a change in treatment approach in patients at high risk of an invasive tumour. Imaging of the upper urinary tract, lymph nodes, and distant metastasis is performed with CT or MRI; the additional value of flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT still needs to be determined. Frail and comorbid patients should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team. Postoperative histology remains the most important prognostic variable, while circulating tumour DNA appears to be an interesting predictive marker. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy remains cisplatin-based. In motivated and selected women and men, sexual organ-preserving cystectomy results in better functional outcomes without compromising oncological outcomes. Robotic and open cystectomy have comparable outcomes and should be combined with (extended) lymph node dissection. The diversion type is an individual choice after taking patient and tumour characteristics into account. Radical cystectomy remains a highly complex procedure with considerable morbidity and risk of mortality, although lower rates are observed for higher hospital volumes (>20 cases/yr). With proper patient selection, trimodal therapy (chemoradiation) has comparable outcomes to radical cystectomy. Adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery improves disease-specific survival and overall survival (OS) in patients with high-risk disease who did not receive neoadjuvant treatment, and is strongly recommended. There is a weak recommendation for adjuvant nivolumab, as OS data are not yet available. Health-related quality of life should be assessed using validated questionnaires at baseline and after treatment. Surveillance is needed to monitor for recurrent cancer and functional outcomes. Recurrences detected on follow-up seem to have better prognosis than symptomatic recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

This summary of the 2023 EAU guidelines provides updated information on the diagnosis and treatment of MMIBC for incorporation into clinical practice.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The European Association of Urology guidelines panel on muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer has released an updated version of the guideline containing information on diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Recommendations are based on studies published up to May 4, 2022. Surgical removal of the bladder and bladder preservation are discussed, as well as updates on the use of chemotherapy and immunotherapy in localised and metastatic disease.

[Urinary diversion with or without simple cystectomy as a salvage option for benign diseases of the lower urinary tract]

Benign diseases of the lower urinary tract can occur as a result of oncological or neurological diseases or their respective therapies (e.g., surgery or radiation treatment) and can significantly reduce the quality of life for affected patients. Urinary diversion serves as a salvage option when all other therapeutic regimens have been carried out and proven unsuccessful. When selecting the suitable urinary diversion, a comprehensive clinical assessment of the patients is required in order to ensure long-term success. In some cases, a cutaneous, catheterizable pouch offers the last and only option for a long-term and definitive treatment of a patient's condition. Overall, a decreasing trend in the establishment of a continent urinary diversion is observed in Germany. Current data on benign indications for urinary diversion are limited. Therefore, further data collection and research are needed.

Evaluation of sexual function and vaginal prolapse after radical cystectomy in women: a study to explore an under-evaluated problem

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to evaluate sexual function, vaginal prolapse, and quality of life (QoL) in women after radical cystectomy (RC) using validated questionnaires and pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) measurement.

METHODS

Female bladder cancer patients who underwent RC at our tertiary care center were included (January 2008 to March 2022). Patients received three validated questionnaires (International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Vaginal Symptoms [ICIQ-VS] Part A, Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire IUGA revised [PISQ], European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC] C30/BLM30). Patients who consented were examined with vaginal POP-Q measurement.

RESULTS

Out of 322 patients, 193 were still alive, 54 patients were lost to follow-up, and 43 were excluded, resulting in 96 patients who received the questionnaire. Finally, 35 patients were included, of whom 17 patients consented to vaginal examination. Complaints due to vaginal symptoms were low (ICIQ-VS 6.17 + 5.37). Sexual activity was reported by 12 patients (34.3%); 23 patients (65.71%) were not sexually active. No apical prolapse was found in POP-Q measurement; 6 patients (35.3%) had anterior, and 14 patients (82.4%) posterior prolapse; the highest prolapse stage was 2. No significant differences were found regarding POP stages, sexual function, and QoL (all p > 0.05) when comparing continent and incontinent urinary diversions. Comparing the vaginal approach (no sparing vs sparing), significant differences were found in only two PISQ subscales (significantly higher scores after vagina sparing, p = 0.01 and p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The type of urinary diversion, POP-Q stages, and tumor stages did not show significant differences regarding sexual function, QoL, and prolapse complaints in women after RC, whereas a vagina- sparing approach showed significant differences only in two subscales without clinical relevance.

Health-related quality of life prior to and 1 year after radical cystectomy evaluated with FACT-G and FACT-VCI questionnaires

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) before and 1 year after radical cystectomy in relation to age and gender.

METHODS

This prospective study involves 112 men and 40 women with bladder cancer treated with radical cystectomy between 2015 and 2018. HRQoL was assessed preoperatively and 1 year post-surgery through Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale - General (FACT-G) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale - Vanderbilt Cystectomy Index (FACT-VCI) questionnaires. The median age of the 152 patients was 71.5 years.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, emotional and functional well-being were negatively affected. Physical, emotional and functional well-being presented higher values 1 year after surgery compared to before radical cystectomy, that is, better HRQoL. Social well-being showed a reduction, especially regarding closeness to partner and support from family. Men and women were equally satisfied with their sex life before radical cystectomy, but less so 1 year after, where men were less satisfied compared to women. Additionally, one out of five patients reported that they had to limit their physical activities, were afraid of being far from a toilet and were dissatisfied with their body appearance after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Recovery regarding HRQoL was ongoing 1 year after radical cystectomy. Patients recovered in three out of four dimensions of HRQoL, but social well-being was still negatively affected 1 year after treatment. Sexual function after radical cystectomy was exceedingly limited for both men and women. An individual sexual rehabilitation plan involving the couple with special intention to encourage intimacy, might not only improve sexual life but also have a positive effect on social well-being as a consequence.

Female sexual function evaluation and intraoperative vaginal reconstruction in bladder cancer

RC significantly negatively impacts sexual function (SF) in both men and women. While significant research resources have been allocated to examine the deleterious effects of post prostatectomy erectile dysfunction, little attention has been directed towards female sexual function and organ preservation post cystectomy. These academic shortcomings often result in poor provider awareness and inadequate preoperative assessment. As such, it is crucial for all providers involved in female RC care to understand the necessary and available tools for preoperative evaluation, in addition to the anatomic and reconstructive techniques. This review aims to summarize the current preoperative evaluation and available tools of SF assessment and describe in detail the varying operative techniques in the preservation or restoration of SF in women after RC. The review explores the intricacies of preoperative evaluation tools, and intraoperative techniques for organ- and nerve-sparing during radical cystectomy in females. Particular emphasis on vaginal reconstruction after partial or complete resection is provided, including split-thickness skin (STF) graft vaginoplasy, pedicled flaps, myocutaneous flaps and use of bowel segments. In conclusion, this narrative review highlights the importance of understanding anatomic considerations and nerve-sparing strategies in promoting postoperative SF and quality of life. Furthermore, the review describes the advantages and limitations of each organ- and nerve-sparing technique and their impact on sexual function and overall well-being.

Female sexual function in bladder cancer: A review of the evidence

Background

Bladder cancer (BC) treatments are known to be invasive; nevertheless, research into the long-term effects is limited and in the context of sexual function often male focussed. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) has been reported in up to 75% of female patients. This systematic scoping review examines the literature on sexual consequences of BC in female patients.

Objective

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the evidence on female sexual function in BC to identify areas of unmet need and research priorities.

Evidence Acquisition

We performed a critical review of PubMed, PsychMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library in March 2020 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews statement following Levac et al. methodology. Identified reports were reviewed according to the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) criteria. 45 publications were included.

Evidence Synthesis

There was an inconsistent use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), with commonly used PROMs having a narrow symptom focus. However, common symptoms emerged: loss of desire, orgasmic disorders, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, difficult intromission, reduced clitoral sensation, psychological concerns related to diagnosis, fear of contamination and body image. Sexual activity was reduced in most groups, despite women expressing a motivation to retain sexual function. The degree of symptom distress associated with FSD is underreported. Evidence emerged regarding a gap for women in clinician counselling and follow-up.

Conclusions

The patient's perspective of FSD in BC patients is poorly understood and under-addressed in clinical practice. There have been very few qualitative studies of FSD in BC. Any intervention designed to address the problem must start with greater understanding of both the patients' and clinicians' perspective.

Lay Summary

We examined the evidence on sexual consequences of BC in women. It is apparent that despite common themes of sexual dysfunction emerging, the problem is poorly understood and addressed in clinical practice.

Effect of new-style anterior and posterior vaginal wall repair combined with modified ischial spine fascia fixation on patients with pelvic organ prolapse and their postoperative quality of life

Objective

This study aims to explore the effect of new-style anterior and posterior vaginal wall repair combined with modified ischial spine fascia fixation on patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and their postoperative quality of life.

Methods

A total of 88 patients with POP and elective surgery admitted to Anqing Hospital affiliated to Anhui Medical University from March 2018 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to their surgical methods, patients were divided into an observation group [44 cases, all underwent new-style anterior and posterior vaginal wall repair combined with modified ischial spine fascia fixation (new-style APVR-modified ISFF)] and a control group [44 cases, all underwent traditional anterior and posterior vaginal wall repair combined with sacrospinous ligament fixation (traditional APVR- SLF)]. The perioperative indicators were compared between the two groups. The pelvic floor function, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) classification, and quality of life were observed before operation, 3 months after operation, and 6 months after operation. All patients were followed-up.

Results

Compared with the control group, the observation group had more advantages in intraoperative blood loss, operation time, urinary catheter indwelling time, postoperative anal exhaust time, and hospitalization time (P < 0.05). In terms of pelvic floor function, patients of both groups showed significant improvement at 3 months and 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). In terms of quality of life, the two groups exhibited significant improvement at 6 months after surgery (P < 0.05). PFIQ-7, PFDI-20, and UDI-6P of the observational group were lower than those of the control group, while PISQ-12 was higher than that of the control group but all with no significant difference (P > 0.005). In addition, the total complication rate of the observation group was 2.27% (1/44), which was significantly lower than 22.73% (10/44) of the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

New-style APVR-modified ISFF can effectively treat POP and improve the quality of life of such patients, with less postoperative complications and high safety.

Female Sexual Function Following Radical Cystectomy in Bladder Cancer

INTRODUCTION

A clear and well-documented gender bias exists in the evaluation of sexual outcomes for women undergoing urologic surgery. Due to the anatomic template of anterior exenteration, women are commonly left with side effects that include sexual dysfunction and the perpetuated effects of surgical menopause.

OBJECTIVES

To present evaluation and treatment recommendations for female sexual dysfunction treatment and evaluation, in addition to surgical templates during radical cystectomy (RC).

METHODS

This article reviews current literature regarding sexual function and RC with urinary diversion in female bladder cancer patients. Furthermore, this review will provide a review of techniques for organ and neurovascular preservation, along with novel vaginal reconstruction templates. Our review will further focus on emerging technology, including minimally invasive surgery and organ and nerve preservation, directed at preservation of female sexual function.

RESULTS

Clinically, studies have demonstrated that females who have undergone genitalia-sparing and neurovascular preservation during RC regained sexual activity earlier than patients undergoing traditional RC. If organ and nerve preservation is not feasible due to involvement of trigone or bladder neck, vaginal reconstruction can mitigate the sexual dysfunction that results from a loss of the anterior vagina during a standard RC.

CONCLUSION

Female sexual dysfunction is associated with high levels of patient distress and is best comanaged with a multidisciplinary treatment approach, including preoperative counseling, intraoperative nerve, and organ preservation, and postoperative interventions to mitigate sexual side effects. Davis L, Isali I, Prunty M, et al. Female Sexual Function Following Radical Cystectomy in Bladder Cancer. Sex Med Rev 2021;XX:XXX-XXX.

Managing female sexual dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

Provide an overview of sexual dysfunction in female urologic cancer patients, approaches for assessing sexual problems, and interventions to treat sexual dysfunction in this patient population.

METHODS

A review of the literature in urologic oncology was conducted. Research on other female pelvic cancers with similar treatments was also reviewed.

RESULTS

Sexual health is an important element of women's quality of life that is often not discussed and problems remain unaddressed. Urologic cancer treatments commonly result in sexual dysfunction (e.g., dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, problems with orgasm) in female patients, although more research is necessary to understand the impact of non-surgical treatments (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy). As such, provider teams should complete necessary screening for sexual dysfunction during and after treatment. The 5 A's model (i.e., Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange Follow-Up) provides a helpful guide for communicating about and addressing sexual health concerns with patients during the screening process. If it is determined that referral for further assessment and treatment of sexual dysfunction is needed, a number of non-pharmacologic (e.g., pelvic floor physical therapy; psychosexual counseling) and pharmacologic treatment approaches are available.

CONCLUSION

Sexual dysfunction is common in female urologic cancer survivors. Routine assessment and appropriate referral are essential for high quality patient care.

Patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life after urinary diversions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To study the recent literature on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients after radical cystectomy followed by urinary diversion.

RECENT FINDINGS

General consensus regarding, which urinary diversion is superior in terms of HRQOL has not been reached. Although there is an increase in studies favoring the orthotopic neobladder, overall quality of these studies is poor. Other studies suggest that HRQOL outcomes in different types of urinary diversions is similar and that other factors, such as age, comorbidities and sex are more important instead. Patient choice, in consultation with the treating surgeon should be the determinant of which urinary diversion is performed. Furthermore, sexual function can play an important role in HRQOL. However, practice shows that counselling on the option of sexual-preserving techniques is still not implemented in routine clinical practice. Furthermore, studies regarding differences in HRQOL after urinary diversion between male and female individuals are lacking.

SUMMARY

Thorough preoperative counselling on the different types of urinary diversion and options for sexual-preserving techniques decreases decision regret and increases HRQOL in patients after radical cystectomy.

Surgical Management of Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Review of Current Recommendations

OBJECTIVE

To provide a narrative overview of contemporary surgical management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer with focus on radical cystectomy and urinary tract reconstruction.

DATA SOURCES

International guidelines and a search for articles in PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Database for single and collaborative studies on surgical management of muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

CONCLUSION

Patients diagnosed with muscle invasive bladder cancer often have complex treatment and care needs. For those who undergo radical cystectomy as the curative treatment, there is a considerable risk of general complications after major surgery and short- and long-term complications specific to reconstruction of the urinary tract after radical cystectomy. Contemporary care focuses on perioperative optimization to lower rates of major complications, enhanced recovery protocols, and focus on rehabilitation and cancer survivorship.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nurses are integral members of the multidisciplinary team around patients undergoing surgery for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, and are in a position to coordinate pathways for these patients who often have complex care needs because of preexisting comorbidity and limited personal resources that impede recovery after major surgery and cancer survivorship.

Barriers to sexual recovery in women with urologic cancers

Sexual health concerns are prevalent and distressing in oncology patients and survivors. While urologic cancers are more prevalent in men, women often have more advanced disease at initial diagnosis, require more advanced surgical resection, and experience higher postoperative complication rates, as well as morbidity and mortality. Women with urologic cancers undergo treatment that is highly likely to impact their sexual function and well-being, however, attention to sexual recovery in this patient population has been limited. Barriers to sexual recovery in women with urologic cancers are biopsychosocial in nature and include complications related to treatment procedures, cancer-related distress, sexual anxiety and avoidance, partner and relational dynamics, and sexual communication skills. Healthcare providers do not adequately address sexual difficulties for these patients and their partners. Sexual minority women and transgender patients with urologic cancer have unique psychosocial and sexual health needs though, due to a lack of research, these remain poorly understood. More research is needed to pinpoint the sexual health needs of this specific oncology population and to explore how various treatment options, such as pelvic organ-sparing cystectomy, can impact sexual health outcomes. Evidence-based and multidisciplinary oncologic and survivorship care, which includes licensed mental health providers, certified sex therapists, and other sexual health experts, is essential for assisting women in their sexual recovery following urologic cancer.

Post-cystectomy Enterocele: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

OBJECTIVE

To present a case series and literature review on post radical cystectomy (RC) pelvic organ prolapse (POP) to heighten awareness of the symptoms, imaging findings, and risk factors associated with this complication and discuss opportunities for prevention. Women with muscle invasive bladder cancer undergo RC with anterior exenteration, significantly disrupting the pelvic floor. These women are at risk for POP.

METHODS

We present 4 cases of high-grade POP in women who underwent RC for bladder cancer. We reviewed the literature by conducting a Boolean search in PubMed with the terms "("radical cystectomy") AND ("enterocele" OR "pelvic organ prolapse" OR "rectocele" OR "vaginal vault prolapse")."

RESULTS

All 4 women reported a bulge sensation in the vagina and physical exam confirmed POP. Three had radiographic findings consistent with high-grade enterocele at rest. Three experienced prolonged intra-abdominal pressure rise post-RC that may have further weakened pelvic floor support, while the fourth had a history of surgery for high-grade POP. Nine articles on POP following RC were identified. Four focused on treatment and 3 focused on prevention.

CONCLUSION

Administration of a single validated question would have identified all 4 cases of postoperative enterocele and is sensitive to detect most women who are experiencing POP. Attention to the pelvic floor on cross-sectional imaging with identification of features that indicate POP, such as herniation of intestinal contents below the pubo-coccygeal line, will identify and/or confirm high-grade enterocele. Familiarity with risk factors for POP and identification of weakened vaginal wall support opens up the opportunity for prevention.

Comparing Provider-Led Sexual Health Counseling of Male and Female Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy

BACKGROUND

Sexual dysfunction is a common quality-of-life issue among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer, but patients report deficiencies in sexual health counseling.

AIM

We sought to characterize provider-led sexual health counseling of patients undergoing RC and whether provider practice differs by patient gender.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of members of the Society of Urologic Oncology to assess topics included in provider-led sexual health counseling and barriers to counseling.

OUTCOMES

Nonroutine counseling regarding each sexual health topic was compared for female vs male patients using chi-squared tests. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine associations between provider characteristics and nonroutine counseling of female patients.

RESULTS

Among 140 urologists, the majority did not routinely counsel patients about sexual orientation, partner sexual dysfunction, or referral options to sexual health services. Providers were significantly more likely to not provide routine counseling to female patients compared to male patients about the following topics: baseline sexual activity (20.6% vs 9.7%, respectively, P = 0.04), baseline sexual dysfunction (60.8% vs 20.2%, respectively, P < 0.05), the risk of sexual dysfunction after RC (20.0% vs 6.5%, respectively, P = 0.006), the potential for nerve-sparing RC (70.8% vs 35.5%, respectively, P = 0.002), and postoperative sexual health and dysfunction (42.6% vs 21.1%, respectively, P = 0.01). Overall, 41.2% of providers did not routinely discuss the potential for pelvic organ-preserving RC with sexually active female patients. Provider sex, age, practice type, urologic oncology fellowship training, years in practice, or female RC volume were not predictive of nonroutine or disparate counseling of female patients. The most common barriers to counseling female patients were older patient age (50.7%), inadequate time (47.1%), and uncertainty about baseline sexual function (37.1%).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Urologists acknowledge key deficiencies and gender disparities in sexual health counseling of patients undergoing RC.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Although cross-sectional, to our knowledge, this is the first study to examine provider practice patterns regarding sexual health counseling of patients undergoing RC.

CONCLUSION

Future efforts should be directed towards reducing barriers to sexual health counseling of patients undergoing RC to improve deficiencies and gender disparities. Gupta N, Kucirka LM, Semerjian A, et al. Comparing Provider-Led Sexual Health Counseling of Male and Female Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy. J Sex Med 2020;17:949-956.

The clinical-care focused psychological interview (CLiC): a structured tool for the assessment of cancer patients' needs

Integrating the psychosocial perspective in oncology is warranted. Here, we introduce a structured psychological intervention, the clinical-care focused psychological interview (CLiC), to address patients' needs in the relationship with health professionals, clinical pathway and decision-making process. The perceived utility and feasibility of the CLiC were evaluated in a preliminary sample of 30 patients who were candidates to undergo a radical cystectomy at the European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy. Patients reported a very high satisfaction with the interview, because it prepared them for their upcoming surgery by gathering more information about their clinical pathway and allowed them to discover the information they still needed. 30% stated that CLiC helped them to reorganise their thoughts and 36.7% understood the role of psychological intervention in the clinical pathway. Only 20% considered the CLiC useful in helping to build their relationship with the clinical staff. Before an invasive surgery such as radical cystectomy, patients' need for information regarding the upcoming surgery seems to prevail. Knowing the future consequences and adjusting toward the disease could be paramount for patients in facing uncertainty and they might feel that creating a relationship with physicians could be a secondary issue. However, our data show that a structured psychological intervention such as the CLiC interview can collect important information for patients and healthcare professionals to develop real patient-centred care.