[Sexuality and body image in patients with rectal cancer]

Rectal cancer patients were invited to complete a questionnaire aimed at evaluating their current body image and sex life 3 and 6 months after surgical treatment. In addition, the possible impact of a stoma was investigated. The relevant pre-operative situation was determined retrospectively.

The patient's body image was appreciably impaired in both sexes. Women tended to lament a reduction in their physical attractiveness, men a loss of virility. In the subsequent months, the body image in women tended to become more positive, but remained unchanged in men. Stoma patients were clearly less happy with their bodies. Preoperatively, already, women indicated a comparatively low level of interest in sex. Three months after surgery, sex life was clearly disturbed in both sexes. During the further course of time, sexual interest increased, in particular in women, but the level of sexual pleasure stagnated at a low level. Men continued to report erectile and orgasmic disorders, while women increasing complained of pain during intercourse. Six months after surgery, a stoma had a negative impact on sexual activity.

Surgical treatment of rectal cancer has an appreciable impact on body image and sexuality in both men and women. Greater attention should be paid to this fact during pre-operative patient counseling, and in the after care of tumor patients.