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

This study looks at sexual and urinary dysfunction and quality of life in male patients undergoing extended total mesorectal excision. This cross-sectional study used International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function Score (IIEF) questionnaire-based retrospective analysis of male patients who underwent extended total mesorectal excision from 2015 to 2022. Quality of life was assessed using EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC QLQ CR-29. Sixty-eight male patients were included, with a median age of 44 years. Urinary retention and incontinence occurred in 10.3% of patients, and 2 required lifelong catheterization. Nineteen percent and 49% patients had severe urinary and sexual dysfunction as per IPSS and IIEF scores. As per the EORTC C-30 QOL analysis, participants scored a global health status mean score of 33.3 with a standard deviation of 10.76. The highest functional scale score was for cognitive functioning: 78.7 ± 18.67. The symptom scale ranged from 9.30 ± 13.26 for nausea and vomiting to 44.19 ± 27.9 for financial difficulties. According to the EORTC CR 29, impotence (43.41 ± 55.17) and problems with stoma care (37.20 ± 22) scored highest. On the function scale, anxiety about future health (62.79 ± 24.35), interest in sex (65.11 ± 45.4), and body image (65.12 ± 16) scored lowest in this order. The patient had significant urinary and sexual symptoms, resulting in concern about weight, loss of interest in sex, and anxiety about future health. In a high-volume , eTME is not without urinary and sexual dysfunction.