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Laser treatment for penile carcinoma leaves erectile function intact

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Laser therapy is an effective treatment for localized penile carcinoma that does not affect erectile function in most men, according to the results of a small study published in the August issue of The Journal of Urology. In addition, most men are satisfied by the cosmetic result.

Previous reports have shown laser therapy to be useful in controlling local disease, but there are limited data on the effects of this therapy on sexual function and satisfaction, a Swedish team reports.To investigate, Dr. T. Windahl, from Orebro University Hospital, and colleagues interviewed 46 men who were treated with laser therapy at their clinic between 1986 and 2000. The interviews, which were conducted in-person, involved questions about sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and cosmetic results. The median period from treatment to interview was 3 years.Of the 40 patients who were sexually active before treatment, 30 reported being sexual active postoperatively, the authors note. Thirty-three men reported no change in erectile function, 10 said it had worsened, and 3 described an improvement. Twenty-three patients said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their sexual life, the researchers state. Moreover, just 3 of 30 evaluable patients described dyspareunia. Lastly, 36 men reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the cosmetic result.”To our knowledge this study is the largest published which assesses sexual function and sexual satisfaction in men with penile cancer treated laser,” the authors note.The results indicate that “laser treatment of localized penile carcinoma preserves the penis and generally provides satisfactory sexual function and cosmetic results.”(Source: J Urol 2004;172:648-651: Reuters Health News: Oncolink: September 2004.)


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Posted On: 15 September, 2004
Modified On: 3 December, 2013

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