[Urogenital sequelae in surgery of rectal carcinoma]

Seventeen consecutive patients with rectal cancer underwent surgery at our institution between January 1988 and December 1990. The aim of this study was to assess the urogenital symptoms after radical resection of the rectum. Ten of these patients were suitable for the study, 9 of whom had an Anterior Resection (with colorectal anastomosis in 7 cases and with coloanal anastomosis in 2) and 1 a Miles operation. We observed urogenital disturbances in 2 patients (20%), 1 male with urinary tract dysfunction and 1 female with difficulties of sexual activity. The disease-free interval, at 36 months, was 100%. We suggest that curative surgery for rectal cancer can be associated, in overall cases, with a low incidence of urogenital disturbances. This allows the improvement of quality of life without evidence of loco-regional recurrence. A resective approach of rectal cancer, able to preserve nervous fiber of pelvic plexus but providing at the same time a radical excision of the tumor, seems to be a determining factor.