URINARY DYSFUNCTION AFTER SURGICAL TREATMENT FOR RECTAL CANCER.

Background: The impact on quality of life attributed to treatment for rectal cancer remains high. Deterioration of the urinary function is a relevant complication within that context.

Objective: To detect the presence of urinary dysfunction and its risk factors among individuals underwent surgical treatment for rectal cancer.

Methods: The present prospective study analyzed 42 patients from both genders underwent surgical treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma with curative intent. The version of the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire validated for the Portuguese language was applied at two time-points: immediately before and 6 months after surgery. Risk factors for urinary dysfunction were analysed by means of logistic regression and Student's t-test.

Results: Eight (19%) participants exhibited moderate-to-severe urinary dysfunction 6 months after surgery; the average IPSS increased from 1.43 at baseline to 4.62 six months after surgery (P<0.001). None of the variables assessed as potential risk factors exhibited statistical significance, i.e., age, gender, distance from tumour to anal margin, neoadjuvant therapy, adjuvant therapy, type of surgery, surgical approach (laparoscopy or laparotomy), and duration of surgery.

Conclusion: This study identified an incidence of 19% of moderate to severe urinary dysfunction after 6 months surveillance. No risk factor for urinary dysfunction was identified in this population.