ABSTRACT
Objective:
analyzing the perception of patients prostatectomizados and her companions about the challenges experienced after the surgery, related to sexuality and to the effects of erectile dysfunction.
Method:
descriptive-exploratory study, qualitative approach to collecting data from semi-structured script with nine couples. Data analysis occurred through the withdrawal of senses and empirical categories from the benchmark of Social Cognitive Theory.
Results:
the time to perform the prostatectomy varied between one year and eight months to three years and two months. Among men, the average age was 65 years and women 59 years. The process of data analysis allowed the identification of two empirical categories and the results shows that the challenges faced by patients refer to difficulty of dialogue and the distance between the couple and the introspection of the men, the concern with the age factor, fear of abandonment and insecurity of men regarding the use of therapeutic measures for recovery of erectile capacity. However, other couples have experienced positive aspects based on understanding and psychological support, and even changes in the way of thinking and living after surgery.
Conclusion:
prostatectomy surgery generates an impact on daily life of patients and their companions, and the perception in relation to the implications of the surgery is the determining factor in the process of recovery and tackling the challenges arising from treatment.
DESCRIPTORS:
Prostatic neoplasms; Erectile dysfunction; Spouses; Psychological adaptation; Nursing