Sexual function after abdominoperineal resection

Neuroanatomy of the male pelvis in respect to radical prostatectomy including three-dimensional visualization

The neuroanatomical structures of the radical prostatectomy (RP) are extensively discussed for their existence, localization and function. Especially structures, e.g. the so-called neurovascular bundle (NVB) that are points of debate in numerous anatomical studies. We review the literature and present our observations in cadaveric specimens, to reconstruct neuroanatomical structures in three dimensions (3D) with the use of appropriate computer applications and produce images of operative fields. We used an internet PubMed survey (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) to review recent publications and included back copies of historical neuroanatomical studies from our own library. Our own experimental cadaveric (specimens preserved in Thiel's solution) studies of the autonomic nerve supply of the lower urinary tract were also reviewed. Visualization of the pelvic anatomy and neuroanatomy was done using computer-based software packages. No unified terminology for the structures of the NVBs can be presented to date. The innervation of the smooth muscular structures of the urethra and the complex morphology of urethral sphincter remain unclear. Our cadaveric studies showed that nerves are located on the lateral aspect of the prostate in addition to the NVBs described at the dorsolateral side of the prostate. The neuroanatomical investigations of the male pelvis and visualization of the structures in 3D enable the presentation of operative sites as seen intraoperatively. Moreover, dynamic depiction of the pelvic floor is also possible.

Evaluation of sexual dysfunction in the female following rectal resection and intestinal stoma

Problems of sexual dysfunction were surveyed by questionnaire mailed to women who had undergone rectal resection and ostomy surgery over a ten-year period. Completed questionnaires were returned by 30 respondents, 19 to 54 years of age, who indicated both physical and psychological problems. Many of the problems were solved by the patients themselves, but the way can be made easier with the help of an understanding surgeon and knowledgeable stoma therapist who can create a climate in which the patient may feel at ease asking for guidance concerning sexual matters.

Anatomy of Denonvilliers' fascia and pelvic nerves, impotence, and implications for the colorectal surgeon

BACKGROUND

The development and anatomy of Denonvilliers' fascia have been controversial for many years and confusion exists about its operative appearance. Better appreciation of this poorly understood anatomy, and its significance for impotence after rectal dissection, may lead to further functional improvements in pelvic surgery.

METHOD

A literature review of the embryology and anatomy of Denonvilliers' fascia and impotence after pelvic rectal surgery was undertaken.

RESULTS

Denonvilliers' fascia has no macroscopically discernible layers. The so-called posterior layer refers to the fascia propria of the rectum. The incidence of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction after rectal excision is high in older patients, and when performed for rectal cancer. There is no consensus about the relationship of Denonvilliers' fascia to the plane of anterior dissection for rectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Colorectal surgeons should focus on the important anatomy between the rectum and the prostate to improve functional outcomes after rectal excision. A classification of the available anterior dissection planes is proposed. Surgeons should be encouraged to document the plane used as well as outcome in terms of sexual function.

Radical pelvic surgery with preservation of sexual function

Recent neuroanatomical findings make it possible to identify the pelvic plexus and branches that innervate the corpora cavernosa intraoperatively. These anatomical principles have been used to modify standard radical prostatectomy and cystoprostatectomy to prevent postoperative sexual dysfunction. Radical retropubic prostatectomy has been performed on 320 men, who have been followed for 1-5 years after surgery; 74% of these men are now potent after surgery. Positive surgical margins were present in 10% of the cases; the actuarial overall local recurrence at 5 years (with or without distant metastases) is 10%. These results are consistent with past experience and data reported elsewhere in the literature. Radical cystoprostatectomy has been performed on 25 men over the past 5 years. Pathologic evaluation of all specimens demonstrated negative surgical margins, no patient has developed local recurrence, and of the patients who had cystectomy alone, 83% are now potent after surgery. With application of these principles to colorectal surgery, similar favorable impact on quality of life with improved surgical accuracy may be possible.

Sexual function after resection for rectal cancer

Major rectal operation, that is, abdominoperineal or anterior resection, for cancer frequently damages the autonomic pelvic nerve supply with resultant sexual dysfunction. The anatomic characteristics and function of the autonomic nervous system in the pelvis has been reviewed. Sexual function after rectal excision for cancer was studied in 25 male patients who were less than 60 years of age and exhibited normal sexual activity preoperatively. Of nine patients who had abdominoperineal resection, four were impotent and two reported no ejaculation with normal potency postoperatively. Of 4 patients who had high anterior resection, only 1 reported no ejaculation, whereas of 12 patients with low anterior resection, 4 were impotent and 3 reported no ejaculation. A higher incidence of sexual dysfunction was noted after abdominoperineal resection compared with after anterior resection (66 percent and 50 percent, respectively). However, the incidence after low and very low anterior resection was comparable with that after abdominoperineal resection (58 percent and 66 percent, respectively). Advanced patient age and very low resection were the two main factors effecting sexual dysfunction after major rectal operation. Although we believe that careful operative technique might reduce the incidence of sexual disturbances attributable to sympathetic fiber damage, avoidance of parasympathetic damage during operation cannot be accomplished because the most likely site of injury, namely the periprostatic plexus, is usually within the operative field, the exception being cases in which the tumor is small, thus allowing preservation of the rectoprostatic fascia.

Sexual function in women after proctocolectomy

One hundred women who had undergone proctocolectomy with a continence-preserving procedure (50 Kock pouches, 50 ileoanal anastomoses) for ulcerative colitis or polyposis coli were interviewed regarding their preoperative and postoperative sexual function. Frequency of intercourse increased and the incidence of dyspareunia decreased after operation in both groups. Patients who had a Kock pouch had a greater incidence of persistent postoperative dyspareunia than patients who underwent an ileoanal procedure (38% vs. 18%, p less than 0.02). Only one patient in each group reported a postoperative disturbance in ability to achieve orgasm. Most women reported no change in their menstrual cycle, but patients with a Kock pouch had more episodic vaginal discharge than patients with an ileoanal anastomosis (18% vs. 0%, p less than 0.001). Postoperative fertility was minimally impaired. Overall, the majority of women in this study who underwent proctocolectomy for benign diseases experienced enhanced sexual function after operation, which they attributed mainly to improved health.

Proctectomy for inflammatory bowel disease

Between July 1973 and October 1984, we performed proctectomy either as part of a primary proctocolectomy or as a secondary staged procedure in 388 patients with ulcerative colitis and in 39 patients with Crohn's disease. The proctectomies were performed using a two-team synchronous approach. An intersphincteric or perimuscular technique was employed. All perineal wounds were closed and drained by suction drainage and the pelvic peritoneum was closed in all cases. Two patients died in the early postoperative period, one from a pulmonary embolus and one from sepsis. Three patients had to be reexplored for postoperative hemorrhage, in all cases from a branch of the superior hemorrhoidal artery. Postoperative perineal hematoma developed in two patients and perineal abscess developed in four patients which necessitated opening of the perineal skin wound. Nonhealing of the perineal wound occurred in 3 of 388 patients with ulcerative colitis and in 5 of 39 patients with Crohn's disease. No perineal dehiscence or hernias were seen. Postoperatively, one man was permanently impotent and two had prolonged but temporary impotence. Three patients had retrograde ejaculation at last follow-up.

Sexual and urinary dysfunction following surgery for sigmoid colon cancer

We investigated sexual and urinary dysfunction following surgery for sigmoid colon cancer. Thirteen (46.4 per cent) of the 28 male patients with a normal sexual life prior to surgery could no longer ejaculate, but all could maintain erection. With the extension of lymph node dissection, the incidence of a disappearance of ejaculation tended to increase. In particular, in patients undergoing an extended lymph node dissection, the incidence was 53.8 per cent. Urinary dysfunction occurred in 7 (10.3 per cent) of the 68 patients (37 men and 31 women), but was slight to mild. There were no significant differences between the extent of lymph node dissection and urinary dysfunction. In surgery for sigmoid colon cancer, care should be taken to preserve the hypogastric nerves.

Sexual dysfunction following operation for carcinoma of the rectum

In a retrospective study, sexual and urologic dysfunction were evaluated after a personal interview with 110 patients operated upon for carcinoma of the rectum with a long observation period. Following abdominoperineal resection in 93 patients, sexual dysfunction was found in 32 per cent, and 18 per cent were totally impotent. In 17 patients who had low anterior resections, none became totally impotent, but six patients had reduced potency or no ejaculation. No relation was found between age, tumor classification, size and localization, or perineal wound infection and postoperative sexual dysfunction. Potency was usually regained within two years. One-third of the patients had experienced urologic symptoms following abdominoperineal resection. Sixteen per cent had minor symptoms at follow-up. Patients were not evaluated by cystometry. No correlation was found between postoperative sexual dysfunction and urologic problems.

Sexual dysfunction following proctocolectomy for benign disease of the colon and rectum

Standard surgical therapy for the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis is total extirpation of the colon and rectum. Since ulcerative colitis is primarily a disease of young adults affecting many people at the inception or height of their sexually active years, postoperative sexual dysfunction is an extremely disconcerting complication. Between July 1973 and May 1981, 291 proctectomies for benign disease of the colon and rectum were performed by the authors. This included 135 men and 156 women. Resection of the rectum was performed using an intrasphincteric technique with dissection kept extremely close to the wall of the rectosigmoid, rectum, and anus. Proctectomy was performed in this manner to prevent significant disruption of the nerves carrying stimuli to the genital organs. Of the 135 males undergoing a proctectomy, four (3%) had a permanent deficit in sexual function. Two men, aged 32 and 30, could sustain an erection but had retrograde ejaculation. Two patients, age 19 and 44, have remained impotent for 1 1/2 and two years, respectively. One hundred fifty-two of the 156 females are sexually active and only two (1.3%) have complained of any physical sexual dysfunction. Each had temporary dyspareunia lasting between nine months and one year after operation.

Preservation of anorectal continence following total colectomy

The search for continence in the surgical management of ulcerative colitis has resulted in the evolution of a method that has yielded gratifying results in the last 18 patients. The disease process is removed; all patients are continent; they have no postoperative perineal excoriation; the frequency of stools is not excessive and the patients are returning to work or to school within three weeks following ileostomy closure. Their ages were eight to 52 years. The procedure consists of a total of colectomy with mucosal proctectomy, ileoanal anastomosis and construction of a terminal ileal, pelvic reservoir. A proximal ileostomy diverts the fecal stream until healing is complete. The authors are now recommending the operation be considered for patients of all ages who require surgery for chronic ulcerative colitis as well as polyposis.

Total colectomy with ileo-endomuscular pull-through in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in children

Since ulcerative colitis is primarily a mucosal disease, total colectomy with rectal mucosectomy and ileo-endomuscular pull-through (Soave) offers many theoretical advantages. The diseased colon is removed, the anal sphincteric mechanism is preserved, and permanent ileostomy is avoided, bladder and sexual function are preserved, and problems with perineal wound healing are avoided. Of critical importance is the state of rectal mucosal disease in the selection of patients for this operation. Our experience with four children in whom the operation has been performed is presented. Postoperative diarrhea has not proved to be a significant problem and continence has been maintained.

Sexual dysfunction following proctocolectomy and abdominoperineal resection

Sexual dysfunction after rectal excision was studied in 45 male patients who were less than 50 years of age. Of 25 patients having had proctocolectomy, one (4%) was impotent, while three (15%) of 20 patients having had abdominoperineal resection were impotent. Two patients in the abdominoperineal group reported no ejaculation with normal potency and sensation of orgasm. The age of the patient and the extent of dissection seemed to be the two main factors concerned with sexual dysfunction after rectal excision.

Endorectal mucosal resection without proctectomy as an adjunct to abdominoperineal resection for nonmalignant conditions: clinical experience with five patients

Five patients with chronic ulcerative colitis underwent endorectal excision of the rectal mucosa without removing the rectal muscle in combination with total colectomy and cutaneous ileostomy. This operative technique will cure the patient of the primary disease and obviates many of the usual unpleasant complications following total proctectomy, such as prolonged perineal drainage and sexual and bladder dysfunction. It has the further advantages of lower operative blood loss and earlier safe ambulation. On the basis of favorable clinical experience with these patients, we believe that the operation warrants further clinical trial in patients who have biopsy-proven ulcerative colitis without severe rectal ulcerations as well as in certain other nonmalignant conditions originating in the rectal mucosa.

Endorectal ileal pullthrough operation with ileal reservoir after total colectomy

Ileonal anastomosis through an extramucosal rectal muscular tube with construction of a proximal S-shaped ileal reservoir was performed on seven dogs in an attempt to reestablish fecal continence. Five of the dogs survived more than four weeks and experienced fecal continence, although they had frequent stools. The use of Lomotil and Metamucil has assisted in decreasing the frequency of defecation, and also in developing semisolid stools. None of the dogs developed perianal excoriation or ulceration. The ileal reservoir volume averaged 250 ml in the longterm surviving dogs. It is anticipated that this operative technic may have clinical application in selected patients with ulcerative colitis and other diseases primarily involving the rectal mucosa, since the neurogenic and muscular sphincteric mechanism necessary for continence can be preserved. Clinical experience with the ileal reservoir and endorectal pullthrough in one patient has been encouraging.

Sexual potency following surgery for rectal carcinoma. A followup of 44 patients

Of 157 patients operated upon for cancer of the rectum within the last 10 years, 44 were available for a followup study of sexual potency. After the anterior resection operation, sexual function for both men and women remained practically unchanged. Following the abdominoperineal operation, where the entire rectum was extirpated, the results differed for men and women. Sexual function in men was completely destroyed, but women were capable of continuing sexual enjoyment as before the operation. Anterior resection in both sexes, i.e., leaving 6 cm of the distal rectum, does not destroy nerve fibers or other structures vital to continuing normal sex activity. However, the abdominoperineal operation in men destroys the important parasympathetic fibers to the male genital system and renders the patient impotent. In women, the abdominoperineal operation for cancer spares most of the nerve supply, especially the important pudendal nerve, thus permitting the patient to continue sexual activity as before surgery.