Changes in the sexual function of male patients with rectal cancer over a 2-year period from diagnosis to 24-month follow-up: A prospective, multicenter, cohort study

Background and Objectives This prospective study aimed to identify long-term changes in sexual function of men with rectal cancer from point of diagnosis to 24 months postoperatively. Methods Male patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery were prospectively enrolled. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) Questionnaire scores were collected at diagnosis; first follow-up; and 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Missing values were managed via multiple imputations using the propensity score method. Pairedttests were applied to examine changes in IIEF scores over time. Results This study analyzed 115 patients. For erectile function, there were no significant changes in scores from the point of diagnosis to first treatment (9.4 vs. 9.8 as mean scores;p = .227). Scores deteriorated postoperatively and recovered until 12 months post-surgery, but did not improve significantly from 12 months to 24 months post-surgery (8.7 vs. 8.2 as mean scores;p = .440). This pattern of change was observed in all other domains: orgasmic function, sexual desire, orgasmic satisfaction, and overall satisfaction. Conclusions Sexual function was not influenced by a rectal cancer diagnosis. Sexual function deteriorated following surgery and recovered until 12 months post-surgery; however, it did not significantly improve from 12 months to 24 months postoperatively.