Objective: To describe oncological and functional outcomes in patients treated with reconstructive organ-sparing surgery (OSS) for squamous cell carcinoma of the penis. Plastic reconstructive OSS of the penis with a split thickness skin graft has been proposed as a treatment option for penile cancer, with the objective being preservation of physiological voiding and sexual function without comprising oncological control.
Materials and methods: Multicenter study reporting clinicopathological data of 57 patients with malignant lesions of the penis treated with OSS and plastic reconstructive surgery with split thickness skin graft from 2007 to 2019. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed with EuroQoL-5D-3L, urinary symptoms with the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, and erectile function with the International Index of erectile function (IIEF)-5.
Results: Fifty-seven patients underwent OSS reconstructive surgery. Twenty underwent glans resurfacing, 23 partial penectomy, and 14 glansectomy. Median age was 55.1 years (interquartile range [IQR] 29-90), median follow-up 55.7 months (3-149). At the time of data analysis, 6 patients had died of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) (12.5%) and 10 (17.8%) had progressed. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a 5-year survival rate of 87.5% and a 5-year progression-free survival of 83%. We assessed HRQoL and functional outcomes in 32 patients. EuroQol 5D-3L showed a mean health status of 82.5%, median Voiding score of the ICIQ-MLTUS was 4 (IQR 1-15), and median IIEF-5 19 (IQR 10.75-25).
Conclusion: OSS of the penis remains a safe and viable option for the treatment of SCC, ensuring a favorable appearance of the penis, preserving urinary and sexual function, with good HRQoL and without comprising oncological safety in selected cases.
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