Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Evaluation of Biomaterials for Bladder Augmentation using Cystometric Analyses in Various Rodent Models
Published on: August 9, 2012
Anorectal, bladder, and sexual function in females following colorectal surgery for carcinoma
G Böhm1, R Kirschner-Hermanns, A Decius
1Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Germany. gboehm@ukaachen.de
Background:
The aim of this study was to establish the incidence of potential postoperative anorectal, bladder, and sexual dysfunction in women following excision of rectal cancer with total mesorectal excision (TME).
Materials And Methods:
All women who underwent a transabdominal rectal resection with TME for cancer between 2000 and 2003 were included. Women with a colonic resection for cancer during the same time period served as the control group. Exclusion criteria were strict. Standardized questionnaires were sent to all patients.
Results:
Twenty-six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Fifteen patients had TME and 11 patients had colonic resection. The median Wexner score showed a higher rate of anal incontinence in the rectal group. The difference was due to a higher rate of severe incontinence in the rectal group. The King's Health Questionnaire showed normal urinary function in both groups. The Female Sexual Function Index showed worse sexual function in the rectal group, reaching statistical significance in the categories 'arousal' and 'lubrication'.
Conclusion:
After rectal excision, the women showed impairment of their anorectal and sexual function. Urinary function was normal. This is in contrast to the incidence of urinary dysfunction in men observed by others. Our study indicates that women seem to have less functional problems when compared to literature data on dysfunction in male following rectal surgery for cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
Anatomy of the Genitourinary System II: Bladder and Urethra
Urinary Bladder
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography