Sexual function and intimacy after pelvic exenteration
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Sexual function and intimacy after pelvic exenteration: Exploring and mapping the experiences and needs of patients and their partners, and the attitudes, perceptions, barriers and facilitators of healthcare professionals
IRAS ID
368358
Contact name
Nicola Hodges
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
Pelvic exenteration (PE) can be a curative treatment for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic tumours and involves the removal of the internal reproductive organs together with the surrounding organs (such as bowel, bladder, etc.), nerves, blood vessels, and lymph node tissue. This creates a large cavity in the pelvis. Most patients receive a urostomy and a second intestinal stoma. If the vagina is removed, it can be reconstructed. This extensive surgery has a major impact on quality of life, intimacy, and sexual health. Removal of reproductive organs, or damage to the nerves and blood vessels of these organs, can cause sexual dysfunction after surgery. The associated chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy also has an impact on sexual health. This consequently impacts the patient's relationship with their partner. Current research has shown that the impact of cancer-induced menopause and loss of fertility are important, interrelated themes. Despite the high prevalence, sexual complaints are still underdiagnosed and undertreated in cancer patients. A recent report suggests that conversations about sexuality are not yet sufficiently established in cancer patient care.
This project aims to map the needs of patients who underwent PE with or without vaginal reconstruction and their partner regarding intimacy and sexual health. A mixed-methods study split into two work packages is planned comprising questionnaires and interviews with patients and their partners. This study will be conducted at London North West University NHS Trust and will also be conducted separately at Ghent University Hospital with a data sharing agreement between the UK site and the Belgium site. With this information, a decision aid for female patients regarding vaginal reconstruction, an information brochure about PE will be made in the future. Where possible, the care regarding sexuality will be improved.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/YH/0052
Date of REC Opinion
9 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion