Functional and Patient Reported Outcomes Following Total Glans Resurfacing.

Whilst there is a trend away from aggressive nonorgan sparing surgical treatments for malignant penile disease, a variety of penile preservation options exist but functional outcomes and patient reported outcomes (PROs) in this area are poorly reported to date.

The aim of this study is to report functional outcomes and PROs of total glans resurfacing (TGR) in a consecutive series of patients with lichen sclerosis (LS) or localized penile cancer (PC).

From 2004 to 2018 a consecutive series of patients underwent TGR for the management of LS or localized PC in a tertiary referral network. Patient clinical records and operative notes were retrospectively reviewed. Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata 12.

Urinary and sexual outcomes were recorded utilizing both the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) validated questionnaires while PROs were extrapolated from a 5-item "ad hoc" telephone questionnaire administered at 1 year post procedure.

37 consecutive patients were enrolled. Histology results demonstrated LS in 16 patients, with the remaining 21 having a diagnosis of PC. The most common reasons for patient presentation were local pain (32.4%), pruritus (37.8%) and bleeding (29.7%). Median follow-up was 22 (IQR 13-77) months. Median age was 62 (IQR 55-68). Neither of the questionnaires assessing urinary and sexual function showed any significant deterioration after surgery. Glans sensitivity was fully maintained in 89.2% of cases. 94.5% of patients reported to be fully satisfied with the aesthetic appearance of the penis and would consider undergoing the same procedure again if necessary. 91.9% of patients would recommend the same procedure to someone else. An overall improvement of the quality of life was reported by 86.4% of patients.

TGR should be considered a treatment of choice for selected cases of benign or malignant penile lesions STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: Our study has some limitations, the first being its retrospective nature. Furthermore, despite being one of the largest series to date, follow-up duration is somewhat limited and a control group is lacking.

TGR represents an excellent surgical option ensuring satisfactory voiding and sexual function, as well as cosmesis for selected cases of penile lesions. M. Preto, M. Falcone, G. Blecher, et al. Functional and Patient Reported Outcomes Following Total Glans Resurfacing. J Sex Med 2021;xxx:xxx-xxx.

The journal of sexual medicine. 2021 Apr 29 [Epub ahead of print]

Mirko Preto, Marco Falcone, Gideon Blecher, Marco Capece, Andrea Cocci, Massimiliano Timpano, Paolo Gontero

Urology Clinic - A.O.U. "Città della Salute e della Scienza" - Molinette Hospital, University of Turin, Italy. Electronic address: ., Urology Clinic - A.O.U. "Città della Salute e della Scienza" - Molinette Hospital, University of Turin, Italy; Neurourology Clinic - A.O.U. "Città della Salute e della Scienza" - Unità Spinale Unipolare, Italy., Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Surgery. Monash University. Melbourne (Australia) Wellington Rd, Clayton VIC, Australia; Urology Consultant. Department of Urology, The Alfred Hospital. Melbourne, Melbourne VIC, Australia., Urology department, Federico II Hospital, University of Naples, Italy., Urology department, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy., Urology Clinic - A.O.U. "Città della Salute e della Scienza" - Molinette Hospital, University of Turin, Italy.

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