Male sexual function after D(3) lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation by laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer

Abstract

To evaluate male sexual function in a series of rectal cancer patients randomized to laparoscopic(LS) or open surgery(OS). Between June 2006 and October 2007, a total of 119 patients with rectal cancer were randomly assigned to laparoscopic(n=60) or open (n=59) resection group. All the patients were treated by D(3) lymphadenectomy combined with pelvic autonomic nerve preservation(PANP) technique. Sexual function was assessed by International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF) before surgery and on 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. Sexual dysfunction rate of LS and OS at 3rd month after operation were 23.3% and 32.3% respectively, and 18.3% vs 27.1% after 6 months, and 11.6% vs 16.9% after 12 months. There were no significant difference between LS and OS in sexual dysfunction rate after surgery. Laparoscopic D(3) lymphadenectomy combined with PANP is not associated with higher sexual dysfunction rate, and the sexual function after laparoscopic surgery is satisfactory.