Effects of Sentinel Lymph Node Dissection on Sexual Function After Endometrial Cancer Surgery

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this research was to determine whether endometrial cancer (EC) patients’ sexual function (SF) and quality of life (QoL) were affected by sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND). The effects on SF of SLND and pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection (LND) in the surgical treatment of EC were compared. Methods: This prospective, single-center research comprised 82 individuals who had LND for endometrial cancer. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the extent of LND: Group A SLND and Group B (pelvic and/or para-aortic lymphadenectomy). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G) were used to measure SF and QoL, respectively, six months after surgery. Results: Among the 82 patients, 14 (17%) retained normal SF (FSFI ≥26.55), while 68 (83%) experienced sexual dysfunction. While no substantial difference was seen in overall FSFI scores among the groups, patients in the SLN group had significantly higher ratings in the desire (p=0.036) and orgasm (p=0.042) subdomains compared to the other groups. Quality of life, as assessed by the FACT-G, was negatively impacted by lower SF scores, particularly among highly educated patients (p=0.013). Conclusion: Sentinel lymph node dissection may preserve aspects of female SF in patients undergoing surgery for endometrial carcinoma, especially in younger and more educated patients.