Factors Affective Sexual Function after Abdominoperineal Resection for Patients with Rectal Cancer

Yoo, Jang Hak; Kim, Hee Cheol; Cho, Young Kyu; Namgung, Hwan; Kim, Mi Sook; Lee, Hae Ok; Yu, Chang Sik; Kim, Jin Cheon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) combined with autonomic nerve preservation (ANP) is proven to reduce sexual dysfunction. However, Sexual dysfunction after APR combined ANP occurs as many as 59% of case. PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to assess prog nostic value of various postoperative factors affective sexual function after APR combined with ANP and to suggest a clinical relevant factors for the improvement of sexual function.
METHODS
This was a cross sectional descriptive study. Data were collected using individual-based interviews from 63 patients who underwent APR during the period of Feb. 2001 and April. 2001. The tool for this study was developed by the researcher through modification of the QLQ-CR38 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, 1999).
RESULTS
The severity of sexual function showed significant differences according to occupation, intervals after operation, colostomy irrigation. Intervals of longer than 18 month after operation was associated with better sexual function. In multiple regression analysis, colostomy related problems, colostomy irrigation, colostomy complications, intervals after operation, recurrence affected sexual function significantly.
CONCLUSIONS
Colostomy related problems, colostomy irrigation, colostomy complications, intervals after operation and recurrence appear to be associated with sexual function after APR.