Evaluation of the effect of prostate diameters on erectile dysfunction in patients who underwent low-anterior...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Sexual Health

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a significant complication following rectal surgery.
• Low anterior resection (LAR) for mid-rectal adenocarcinoma can affect erectile function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between prostate dimensions and the development of postoperative erectile dysfunction.
• To assess the impact of prostate measurements on ED risk in patients undergoing LAR.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 31 male patients with mid-rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing LAR was studied.
• The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used for pre and postoperative ED assessment.
• Prostate dimensions (anterior-posterior, transverse, craniocaudal) were measured using computed tomography.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant association was found between IIEF scores and both anterior-posterior (AP) and transverse (TR) prostate measurements (p≤0.001).
• No significant correlation was observed between IIEF scores and craniocaudal (CC) prostate measurements (p=0.169).

Conclusions:

• A smaller transverse prostate diameter is linked to a higher risk of nerve injury.
• Intraoperative nerve monitoring is recommended, particularly for younger patients undergoing LAR.