Gender-specific differences in pelvic organ function after proctectomy for inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND

Significant concern exists regarding the effect of proctectomy on sexual function in patients with IBD. Little is known about gender-specific differences.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine sexual function and quality of life in men and women with IBD before and after proctectomy.

DESIGN

This is a prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a colorectal surgery center.

PATIENTS: The patients included in this study have IBD and underwent proctectomy or proctocolectomy.

INTERVENTION: The treatment provided was proctectomy or proctocolectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Validated questionnaires were used to assess sexual function, quality of life, bowel habits, and urinary symptoms, and were completed before and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Sixty-six participants (41 men and 25 women) were evaluated at baseline and 6 months after proctocolectomy or completion proctectomy. A total of 48 IPAAs (31 men and 17 women) and 18 end ileostomies (10 men and 8 women) were created. Men reported improved scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (P = .003), a modified Sexual Function Questionnaire (P = .001), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life (P < .001), and SF-36 (Mental Component Summary, P = .003; Physical Component Summary, P = .001) after surgery. Women had improvement in the desire subscale of the Female Sexual Function Index (P = .03), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Quality of Life scores (P = .04), and SF-36 (Mental Component Summary, P = .02; Physical Component Summary, P = .02). There was no gender difference in the magnitude of change in scores before and after surgery for any of the measures.

LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and sexually inactivity in 50% of cohort may have had an impact on our findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Both men and women reported improvements in general and IBD-specific quality of life after surgery, but only men demonstrated several areas of improved sexual function. Women reported improved sexual desire but no other sexual function improvement. The postsurgical gender difference in sexual function, despite similar improvements in quality of life, may be accounted for by unexamined aspects of female sexual function.