[Sexual dysfunction in men following surgical treatment for rectosigmoid carcinoma]

In a retrospective study we performed an analysis of the sexual (dys)function in 26 men operated in the University Hospital Leiden, the Netherlands, for rectosigmoid carcinoma. Nine patients (mean age 59.8 years (45-67)) underwent abdomino-perineal resection and 17 (mean age 59.5 years (43-75)) underwent (low) anterior resection. All men were sexually active before surgery. Following abdomino-perineal resection only 2 patients are sexually active, five are unable to achieve an erection and seven have no orgasms. Three patients only achieve an incomplete erection. One patient has a retrograde ejaculation. Following anterior resection 12 of 17 patients are sexually active, four are unable to achieve an erection or orgasm. Four patients only achieve an incomplete erection. Five patients have a retrograde ejaculation. It is concluded that sexual disorders occur frequently after surgery for rectosigmoid carcinoma, and following abdomino-perineal resection in practically all cases, while the nature of the disorder varies greatly. It is very important to inform the patient before surgery.