Ameda K et al. (2005) The long-term voiding function and sexual function after pelvic nerve-sparing radical surgery for rectal cancer. Int J Urol 12: 256–263

Results of a recent study of long-term urologic and sexual function following pelvic nerve-sparing radical surgery for rectal cancer suggest that this type of surgery preserves long-term voiding function.

Ameda et al. assessed the responses of 52 male and female patients who had previously undergone the surgery and who completed a self-administered questionnaire regarding subsequent changes in their urinary-tract symptoms. Topics covered by the questionnaire included aspects of storage such as urinary frequency and urgency, and aspects of voiding such as straining. Additionally, information was collected regarding quality of life and male sexual function post-surgery.

The vast majority of patients (92%) reported that they had been able to maintain voluntary voiding in the long term without the need for catheterization, and around 60% of patients reported no change in urinary-tract symptoms after surgery. Most patients reported that they were satisfied with their current urinary status, although this was the case for a significantly higher proportion of female patients than male. The main area of dissatisfaction post-surgery was found to be male sexual function, with 64% of males reporting that they were unsatisfied with their current sexual function.

The authors conclude that despite the successful long-term outcomes described for this type of surgery in terms of preservation of urinary-tract function, serious problems relating to postoperative erectile dysfunction still exist.