Bladder function after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum for anorectal cancer. Urodynamic investigation before and after operative in a consecutive series.

In a consecutive series of 26 patients (10 men and 16 women) undergoing abdominoperineal resection of the rectum, cystometry and pressure-flow-EMG measurements were made preoperatively and three and 6-12 months after operation. Two patients developed neurogenic bladder paresis (7.7%, 95% c.l. 1-25%). Men with even slight complaints of bladder outlet obstruction preoperatively ran a risk of postoperative aggravation demanding surgery. In women no significant changes in micturition patterns were found. It is concluded that urinary flow measurement and cystometry should be available as minimum screening procedures after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum to detect bladder dysfunction at an early stage.