Publications by authors named "Robin Stipetich"
Following definitive local treatment for early-stage prostate cancer, preservation of erectile function has been assumed to be most likely following brachytherapy. However, recent studies have demonstrated that brachytherapy-related erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than initially reported. The exacerbation of brachytherapy-related ED is closely related to several clinical, treatment, and dosimetric parameters including pre-implant erectile function and radiation dose to the proximal penis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAssessment of sexual function following potentially curative local treatment for carcinoma of the prostate gland has resulted in wide ranges of potency preservation rates, which may be because of differences in the evaluated patient populations, mode of data collection, and length of patient follow-up. Quality-of-life data are most reliable when obtained by patient-administered and validated quality-of-life instruments. In the Schiffler Cancer Center's prostate brachytherapy unit, healthcare professionals utilize the specific erectile questions of the International Index of Erectile Function to ascertain pre- and post-treatment erectile function.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To determine the incidence of potency preservation after permanent prostate brachytherapy using a validated patient-administered questionnaire and to evaluate the effect of multiple clinical and treatment parameters on penile erectile function.
Materials And Methods: Four hundred twenty-five patients underwent permanent prostate brachytherapy from April 1995 to October 1999. Two hundred nine patients who were potent before brachytherapy and who at the time of the survey were not receiving hormonal therapy were mailed the specific erectile questions of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire with a self-addressed stamped envelope.