Sexual and bladder dysfunctions following surgery for rectal carcinoma

A series of 475 patients who underwent surgery for rectal carcinoma were followed up and entered this study. Sexual and bladder function before and after surgery with respect to the surgical procedure was considered. 221 patients gave suitable information about their urinary function: bladder dysfunction was observed in 20% of amputated patients as against 13-14% of resected patients. 144 patients (103 males and 41 females) were available for a follow-up study of the sexual function. Sexual intercourse, libido, erection, ejaculation, dyspareunia, vaginal humidification, orgasm were the parameters examined. Almost all of them were more affected after abdominoperineal resection than after low anterior resection with manual or stapled anastomosis, although the difference was not always significant. In a few instances the rates were inverted. It is believed that these dysfunctions are not related to the type of surgery, but to required extent of radicality. Extreme care should be always taken when dissecting the end portion of the rectum to avoid injuries to the hypogastric plexus and the pudendal nerve.