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Published on: December 28, 2021
Erectile Dysfunction Is Common after Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Cohort Study.
Sebastian Borgund Hansen1,2, Birthe Thing Oggesen2, Siv Fonnes1
1Center for Perioperative Optimization, Department of Surgery, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Borgmester Ib Juuls Vej 1, DK-2730 Herlev, Denmark.
Erectile dysfunction is common after rectal cancer surgery, affecting 84% of patients. Many men report low confidence in achieving or maintaining erections, highlighting the need for open discussion of treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a recognized late complication post-rectal cancer surgery.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of ED is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery.
- To characterize ED in this patient population using validated questionnaires.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational cohort study.
- Data collected from 67 patients 6 months post-rectal cancer surgery (Oct 2019 - Apr 2023).
- Assessed ED using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5 and IIEF-15).
Main Results:
- 84% of patients experienced erectile dysfunction based on IIEF-15.
- Robot-assisted surgery showed 74% ED prevalence; laparoscopic/open surgery showed 100% ED.
- Half of patients reported very low self-perceived erectile function.
Conclusions:
- Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent after rectal cancer surgery.
- Patients often lack confidence in erectile function, necessitating proactive discussion of therapeutic options.
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