Patient-Reported Outcome After Extended Total Mesorectal Excision for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer in Male...

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Urology
• Oncology

Background:

• Extended total mesorectal excision (eTME) is a surgical procedure for rectal cancer.
• Post-surgical sexual and urinary dysfunction are known complications.
• Quality of life is a crucial outcome measure for patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the incidence and severity of sexual and urinary dysfunction after eTME.
• To assess the impact of eTME on the quality of life in male patients.
• To identify specific symptoms affecting patient well-being post-eTME.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of 68 male patients who underwent eTME between 2015 and 2022.
• Utilized International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function Score (IIEF) for dysfunction assessment.
• Employed EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC QLQ CR-29 questionnaires for quality of life evaluation.

Main Results:

• 10.3% of patients experienced urinary retention/incontinence; 2 required lifelong catheterization.
• 19% and 49% reported severe urinary and sexual dysfunction, respectively (IPSS/IIEF).
• EORTC QLQ CR-29 revealed high scores for impotence (43.41) and stoma care issues (37.20), impacting quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Extended total mesorectal excision is associated with significant urinary and sexual dysfunction.
• Patients experience concerns regarding weight, loss of sexual interest, and anxiety about future health.
• eTME necessitates comprehensive management strategies to address functional deficits and improve patient quality of life.