What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to compare patient perceptions of erectile dysfunction to what is documented in medical records following radical prostatectomy.

February 5, 2026

(PM-36) Erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy: patient perception versus medical record documentation

Key Points

The study aims to compare patient perceptions of erectile dysfunction to what is documented in medical records following radical prostatectomy.
Cohort study involving 67 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.
Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire postoperatively.
Patient responses were compared with medical record entries regarding erectile dysfunction.
41.7% of patients reported severe erectile dysfunction based on IIEF-5 scores.
67% of patients indicated physicians did not ask about erectile dysfunction during follow-up.
67.16% of medical records lacked documentation regarding sexual activity.

Abstract

Abstract Objective Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common complication after radical prostatectomy and can significantly affect patient’s quality of life. However, discrepancies may exist between patient-reported outcomes and medical record documentation. To assess the patient’s perception of ED compared to what is recorded in medical charts following radical prostatectomy. Methods This cohort study included 67 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer at a public hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was administered postoperatively, followed by interview and patient responses were compared to medical record entries. Results Mean age was 68 ± 6.37 years. ISUP 2 was observed in 52%, ISUP 3 in 34%, ISUP 4 in 12% and ISUP 5 in 1,5% of the patients. Radical prostatectomy alone was performed in 58.2% of cases, 29.8% received radiotherapy with hormonal blockade, 4.47% had radiotherapy alone, and 7.4% received hormonal blockade only. IIEF-5 score among patients was distributed as follows: no ED in 4.47% of cases, mild ED in 7.5%, mild to moderate ED in 19.4%, moderate ED in 26.8%, and severe ED in 41.7%. A total of 67% of patients reported that physicians did not inquire about ED during postoperative follow-up. Regarding ED treatment (n = 62), 38% were not receiving treatment, while 61.2% were undergoing therapy. In the medical records, 67.16% of patients had no documentation regarding sexual activity, 1.4% had no ED and were not using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), 7.4% had preserved erections with PDE5i use and 23.88% had moderate to severe ED recorded. Conclusion Most patients had moderate to severe ED, but sexual health was often overlooked in follow-up. Many were untreated, and documentation was frequently absent, highlighting the need for better assessment and management of sexual function post-treatment. Financing No conflict.

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