Association of urinary dysfunction after lower rectal cancer surgery with renal function: a single-center study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Oncology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Urinary dysfunction (UD) is a frequent complication following lower rectal cancer (LRC) surgery.
• Untreated UD can lead to renal dysfunction due to recurrent urinary tract infections and reflux.
• The long-term impact of postoperative UD on renal function after LRC surgery requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of postoperative urinary dysfunction (UD) on renal function in patients who underwent lower rectal cancer (LRC) surgery.
• To compare estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) between patients with and without UD three years post-LRC surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective evaluation of 83 patients undergoing curative resection for LRC.
• UD diagnosed by post-void residual urine volume ≥ 50 mL via uroflowmetry.
• Comparison of eGFR and CKD incidence at 3 years post-surgery using Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's test, and logistic regression.

Main Results:

• 25% of patients developed UD post-LRC surgery.
• Patients with UD were older, had more extensive surgery, and longer operation times.
• UD group showed higher incidence of urinary tract complications, CKD, and decreased eGFR at 3 years; hypertension and UD were independent risk factors for CKD.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative urinary dysfunction (UD) is associated with a significant decrease in eGFR and increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) three years after lower rectal cancer (LRC) surgery.
• These findings suggest that UD may adversely affect renal function in LRC patients, underscoring the importance of managing postoperative urinary issues.