# Patient-Reported Outcome After Extended Total Mesorectal Excision for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer in Male Patients

## TL;DR

This study examines sexual and urinary dysfunction and quality of life in male patients who underwent extended total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed analysis of patient-reported outcomes after extended total mesorectal excision in male patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

## Key findings

- Nineteen percent and 49% of patients had severe urinary and sexual dysfunction, respectively.
- Quality of life scores showed significant concerns about future health, body image, and interest in sex.

## Abstract

This study looks at sexual and urinary dysfunction and quality of life in male patients undergoing extended total mesorectal excision. This cross-sectional study used International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function Score (IIEF) questionnaire-based retrospective analysis of male patients who underwent extended total mesorectal excision from 2015 to 2022. Quality of life was assessed using EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC QLQ CR-29. Sixty-eight male patients were included, with a median age of 44 years. Urinary retention and incontinence occurred in 10.3% of patients, and 2 required lifelong catheterization. Nineteen percent and 49% patients had severe urinary and sexual dysfunction as per IPSS and IIEF scores. As per the EORTC C-30 QOL analysis, participants scored a global health status mean score of 33.3 with a standard deviation of 10.76. The highest functional scale score was for cognitive functioning: 78.7 ± 18.67. The symptom scale ranged from 9.30 ± 13.26 for nausea and vomiting to 44.19 ± 27.9 for financial difficulties. According to the EORTC CR 29, impotence (43.41 ± 55.17) and problems with stoma care (37.20 ± 22) scored highest. On the function scale, anxiety about future health (62.79 ± 24.35), interest in sex (65.11 ± 45.4), and body image (65.12 ± 16) scored lowest in this order. The patient had significant urinary and sexual symptoms, resulting in concern about weight, loss of interest in sex, and anxiety about future health. In a high-volume , eTME is not without urinary and sexual dysfunction.