![[ Visit WOCN Website ]](images/header_bg.jpg)
ABSTRACT From 2003 to 2007 a series of meetings looking at sexuality following surgery were sponsored by Clinimed in the UK . These meetings were initiated through peer demand, to push the boundaries of patient care and understanding and allow the clinician to fulfill the complete clinical package and really look holistically at the patient, partner and sexual rehabilitation following surgery. A series of eighteen meetings were planned throughout the UK . Over 500 nursing and medical staff attended the meetings . The meetings looked specifically at sexual function, sexuality and rehabilitation post surgery. The outcome of the meetings has been able to change practice by allowing for better understanding of sexuality as a specific outcome in post surgical rehabilitation. As a result of this programme of education the authors initiated a study to explore sexual satisfaction as domain specific area in the assessment and treatment of surgical patients.
This study was undertaken to identify the issues and perceptions of sexual satisfaction. Also to explore the past, present and potential future of sexual satisfaction as domain specific area in the treatment of colorectal patients. Through understanding more around the issues in sexual satisfaction in the male and the female and the perceptions, adaptation and coping mechanisms within satisfaction and life as a whole, recommendations and understanding can be made for advice to be given on the expectations of sexual outcome following surgery.
The study suggests a need to revise the approach to the management of sexual function/dysfunction and to consider the situation of each “individual” to avoid creating unrealistic expectations and goals of post operative rehabilitation. The study concludes that sexual satisfaction is an important aspect of everyday life, but as a rule the clinical and medical models do not do it true justice. “When satisfaction is synonymous with life then sexuality is an integral part of the quality of that life”. The management of sexual problems needs to be integrated into the context of satisfaction in daily life and not just the physiological outcome.
This study was undertaken to identify the issues and perceptions of sexual satisfaction. Also to explore the past, present and potential future of sexual satisfaction as domain specific area in the treatment of colorectal patients. Through understanding more around the issues in sexual satisfaction in the male and the female and the perceptions, adaptation and coping mechanisms within satisfaction and life as a whole, recommendations and understanding can be made for advice to be given on the expectations of sexual outcome following surgery.
The study suggests a need to revise the approach to the management of sexual function/dysfunction and to consider the situation of each “individual” to avoid creating unrealistic expectations and goals of post operative rehabilitation. The study concludes that sexual satisfaction is an important aspect of everyday life, but as a rule the clinical and medical models do not do it true justice. “When satisfaction is synonymous with life then sexuality is an integral part of the quality of that life”. The management of sexual problems needs to be integrated into the context of satisfaction in daily life and not just the physiological outcome.