Sexual dysfunctions following low anterior resection of the rectum in rectal cancer patients

Introduction. Low anterior resection of the rectum (LAR) is a treatment of choice in patients with diagnosed low rectal cancer. Rectal cancer surgery has a close relationship with the urinary-sexual organs and also with related nerves and nerve plexus. Thus, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves of the pelvic area may be damaged. As a result of this, the important point is the sexual function loss following rectal surgeries. The aim of the study was to investigate the sexual disorders in patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR. Materials and methods. In this retrospective study the sexual activity, comfort of the experience, quality of sexual life (QoSL) during 3 periods were analyzed: before surgery, a month after and half a year after surgery. Analysis of demographic characteristics, comorbidities, previous surgeries, toumor characteristics and adjuvant therapy as was performed. Results. Most patients (64/100, 64%) expressed that LAR operation has strongly affected their QoSL, 32 patients reported the mild decrease in QoSL, while only 4 patients stated that did not experience any changes in QoSL. QoSL was assessed in 3 different periods of time: before the operation, 1 month after and 6 months after the operation (22,6±3.7 vs. 11.3±7,9 vs. 17,0±6.3; p