Male sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Urology
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• Rectal cancer treatment, including total mesorectal excision (TME), can significantly impact male sexual function.
• Postoperative sexual dysfunction is a recognized complication affecting quality of life for survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the incidence of male sexual dysfunction after TME for rectal cancer.
• To evaluate the efficacy of sildenafil in treating postoperative sexual dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study involving patients undergoing curative TME for low rectal cancers.
• Sexual function assessed via questionnaires preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively.
• Analysis of outcomes in sexually active patients, with a focus on risk factors like lateral lymph node dissection.

Main Results:

• High rates of erectile dysfunction (80% at 3 months, 76% at 12 months) and ejaculatory problems (82% at 3 months, 67% at 12 months) observed in sexually active patients.
• Lateral lymph node dissection identified as a significant risk factor for sexual dysfunction.
• Sildenafil improved sexual dysfunction in 69% of 16 treated patients.

Conclusions:

• Sexual dysfunction is a frequent and significant issue following rectal cancer surgery.
• Surgical technique, specifically lateral lymph node dissection, is a primary cause of sexual dysfunction.
• Sildenafil offers a potential therapeutic option for managing sexual dysfunction post-rectal cancer treatment.