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Bladder and sexual dysfunction after mesorectal excision for rectal cancer
A Nesbakken1, K Nygaard, T Bull-Njaa
1Department of Surgery, Aker Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
The British Journal of Surgery
|February 15, 2000
Summary
Mesorectal excision for rectal cancer led to few serious urinary and sexual dysfunctions. Most complications were mild and temporary, indicating the procedure
Area of Science:
- Colorectal surgery
- Urology
- Oncology
Background:
- Rectal excision for cancer can cause urinary and sexual dysfunction.
- Assessing these complications early after mesorectal excision is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the frequency of urinary and sexual dysfunction following mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.
Main Methods:
- Urodynamic examinations (flowmetry, residual volume, cystometry) and questionnaires assessed function before and 3 months post-surgery.
- Each patient served as their own control.
Main Results:
- Two patients developed bladder denervation; four women had temporary incontinence.
- Six men experienced reduced erectile function, one impotence; two had retrograde ejaculation.
- All complications occurred in the total mesorectal excision (TME) group.
Conclusions:
- Mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is associated with a low incidence of severe bladder and sexual dysfunction.
- The procedure appears safe regarding these functional outcomes.