Quality of life in elderly men after a radical prostatectomy. A qualitative study

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cancer in Spain. One of its main treatments is radical prostatectomy. This intervention generates a series of physical and psychological consequences in the patient that result in reducing their quality of life. The objective of this study was therefore to explore the experiences and perceptions of older adults about their quality of life after a radical prostatectomy. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 18 patients who had undergone a radical prostatectomy, with a mean age of 70.6 years. A focus group of 8 people was formed, and 10 individual interviews were carried out and transcribed in ATLAS.ti for later analysis. The quality of the criteria for qualitative research was guaranteed, and the pertinent ethical aspects were respected. Participants demonstrated worse urinary (incontinence) and sexual (erectile dysfunction) function after radical prostatectomy. Due to these consequences, they manifested shame, despair and relationship problems (lack of communication, absence of sexual life, etc.), thus causing a clear decrease in their quality of life. The participants also stated that they did not feel well-protected by the health care received. The physical sequelae on urinary and erectile function of prostatectomized patients decrease the patient’s quality of life. These limitations in their sexual life cause them additional psychological consequences that also contribute to a deterioration in the perceived quality of life. In a social environment, patients can find understanding and freedom to share feelings, which contributes to improving their quality of life. However, pressure and lack of communication can appear in the couple, which is perceived as a source of deterioration in quality of life. The care conditions in the health system are not appropriate to address the quality of life of this type of patient in a comprehensive manner.