The effects of ureteral access sheath on sexual functions, lower urinary system symptoms and psychologi̇cal status in endoscopic stone surgery

Urinary tract stone disease is one of the diseases that have been affecting human beings since ancient times. In our study, RIRC and URS surgery patients performed using the ureteral access sheath in surgical treatment of urinary system stone disease were compared to the investigate to determine whether the ureteral access sheath affects sexuel functions, lower urinary tract symptoms and psycholoical situation. The study included 399 patients aged between 18 and 65 years. The Beck Depression scale was used to question the effect of the procedure on the psychological condition.The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Premature Ejaculation Evaluation Questionnaire (PEEQ) and Male Sexual Health (Ejaculatory Dysfunction) Questionnaire (EDQ) were used to male patients. Overactive Bladder Assessment Form (OAB-v8) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used to female patients. The patients included in the study were divided into two groups: RIRC (Group 1) and URS (Group 2). In male patients, the PEDA score was significantly lower compared to group 1 and group 2 (p<0.05). In female patients, the sexual desire domain of FSFI was significantly lower compared to group 1 and group 2 (p=0.047). In conclusion, endourologic procedures are closely associated with transient postoperative sexual dysfunction which usually recover completely over in time with untreated follow-up. In patients referred for these procedures, sexual history should be a part of the routine history, and information about postoperative sexual dysfunctions should be included in routine preoperative explanations.