Use of the International Index of Erectile Function to assess sexual dysfunction in the male population with prostate cancer treated by radical prostatectomy – a systematic review

Introduction: Prostate carcinoma is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, accounting for 14.1% of diagnoses and with a 6.8% mortality rate. Among current treatment options, radical prostatectomy is strongly indicated for localized prostate cancer. Although surgical techniques for radical prostatectomy are constantly being improved in terms of effectiveness and safety, postoperative disorders such as stress urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction, remain quite common. Aim: The aim of our systematic review is to discuss the prevalence and severity of sexual dysfunction in the population of men suffering from prostate cancer who have been treated by means of radical prostatectomy. Material and methods: For the purposes of this systematic review we undertook a search of the literature in five databases using the English and Polish languages. We have focused on studies which assess sexual dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Results and discussion: A total of 145 potentially relevant studies was retrieved. After selection, it was determined that 5 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and these were selected for qualitative synthesis. Our systematic review supports the finding that impairment of sexual function continues during the first 12 months after radical prostatectomy. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction is a common complication after radical prostatectomy, and recovery takes at least 12 months. The male population with prostate cancer is at risk of sexual dysfunction even before radical prostatectomy due to age, comorbidities and mental factors related to the course of the disease.