Discussing sexuality in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery: a national survey of current practice in the Netherlands

Abstract

Background

Patient-reported outcomes have become increasingly important to assess the value of surgical procedures. Sexual function is a proven important constituent of quality of life, but is often overlooked by health care professionals. We aim to investigate to what extent plastic surgeons address or discuss issues concerning sexuality with their patients, and if there is a need for improvement.

Methods

We developed a survey to assess whether topics pertaining to sexual function were discussed during plastic surgical consultations. In 2016, all 385 members of the Dutch Association for Plastic Surgery were invited via post mail to participate.

Results

We received 106 completed surveys (27.5%). The median age of the respondents was 45 (29–66) years. Most participants (78.3%) indicated that they rarely to never discuss sexuality with their patients. Surgeons in the subspecialization gender and genital surgery discussed sexual function most frequently. Two thirds of all respondents indicated that their current knowledge on this topic was insufficient, yet there was generally no interest expressed in receiving additional training (78.6%). However, there was a need for proper patient brochures (43.4%) and an organized referral network (36.5%) regarding sexuality.

Conclusions

In plastic surgery practice, sexuality appears to be a rarely discussed subject, with the gender and genital surgery subspecialties as the exception. Although professionals and patients emphasize the importance of sexuality, plastic surgeons express limited urge to be trained and prefer written patient information and referring patients to other healthcare professionals. The authors stimulate more education on sexuality during (continued) plastic surgery training.

Level of Evidence: Not ratable

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