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Study design: Cross-sectional clinical descriptive prevalence study. Objective: To evaluate the methods of self-reported bladder management, the frequency of urinary tract infection (UTI) and subjective disturbance of bladder problems of all those individuals with traumatic spinal cord lesion (SCL) living in Helsinki area. Setting: Helsinki, Finland. Methods: A total of 152 persons with SCL were found in the Helsinki area (546 000 inhabitants). A structured questionnaire was sent to all subjects and they were invited to a clinical visit. Results: The final study-group consisted of 129 (85%) subjects. They were defined into seven specific subgroups of bladder management: 14 (11%) subjects in the normal voiding group, 15 (12%) in the controlled voiding group, 16 (12%) in the clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) group, 30 (23%) in the mixed group, 31 (24%) in the suprapubic tapping group, 16 (12%) in the compression or straining group and seven (5%) in the catheter or conduit group. The frequency of UTI was highest in the mixed group. The bladder management was a biggest bother to the subjects in the compression or straining group. Conclusions: This prevalence study assesses the self-reported bladder management methods in all the persons with traumatic SCL in the Helsinki area. The subjects who used CIC and other methods for bladder management had more problems than others. These subjects might manage better by using either CIC or suprapubic tapping as the only method for bladder emptying.

Objective To assess whether patients in acute urinary retention from benign prostatic enlargement can be treated with a combined therapy comprising finasteride and a bioabsorbable self‐reinforced poly l‐lactic acid (SR‐PLLA) urethral stent. Patients and methods Fifty‐five patients in acute urinary retention were treated as outpatients; they had a suprapubic catheter inserted and the SR‐PLLA stent placed cystoscopically. After 2 weeks the patients were randomized to receive either finasteride 5 mg daily or placebo. They were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12 and 18 months for maximum urinary flow rate, prostate volume and serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA). Results Nineteen patients completed the study while 36 discontinued. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean maximum flow rate, and a statistically significant decrease in the prostatic volume and serum PSA in the finasteride group. The same number of patients discontinued in both groups; the major reason for discontinuation was insufficient therapeutic response. Conclusions The major problems were discontinuation of treatment because the response to therapy was insufficient, and uncontrolled breakdown of the spiral stent. To solve these problems, new configurations of bioabsorbable stents are needed.

Background: Penile cancer surgery affects physical, psychological, and sexual well-being, but the patient-and treatment-related factors predisposing to worse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have not been well characterized. Aim: We report treatment-related HRQoL changes among penile cancer survivors compared to the general population and the specific deficits that have the most profound effect, and we identify patient-related factors that predispose to a worse perceived HRQoL. Methods: Patients (n = 107) who underwent operations for invasive penile cancer in two Finnish university hospitals from 2009 to 2019 were sent the Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) questionnaire designed to measure HRQoL, self-esteem, overall sexual functioning, erections, and change in sexual function. We collected clinical information and socio-demographic characteristics, including age, partner status, children, vocational education, and employment status. Associations between patient-and treatment-related factors and HRQoL were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Linear regression models were used to compare the HRQoL differences between patients with penile cancer and the age-standardized average for the Finnish population. Outcomes: A generic measure of HRQoL (15D), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Overall Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, the Erection Hardness Score, and self-reported change in sexual functioning. Results: Low scores in overall sexual functioning, erectile function, and changes in sexual functioning were associated with a lower HRQoL. An association was found between HRQoL and age, educational level, employment status, and place of residence. The HRQoL had a negative correlation with age. Patients with a high educational level, who were employed, or who lived in urban areas reported higher HRQoL. The mean HRQoL of penile cancer survivors was significantly lower than the age-standardized average HRQoL of the Finnish population. Clinical Implications: Enhanced support and counseling is needed among penile cancer patients to improve the HRQoL during survivorship. Strengths & Limitations: A nationwide sample with detailed information allowed comparisons of HRQoL between penile cancer patients and the general population. Due to cross-sectional nature of the study, the time between the surgery and the study intervention was heterogeneous, and this may have affected the results. Conclusion: Penile cancer patients exhibit significant physical and psychological dysfunction, and the lack of sexual activity in general is what most compromises the QoL of penile cancer survivors. Harju E, Pakarainen T, Vasarainen H, et al. Health-Related Quality of Life, Self-esteem and Sexual Functioning Among Patients Operated for Penile Cancer − A Cross-sectional Study. J Sex Med 2021;XX:XXX−XXX.