Sexual dysfunction after low anterior resection for midrectal cancer.

Forty-nine patients under the age of 65 years, who had a low anterior resection performed for cancer of the midrectum, were interviewed. Eight patients were sexually inactive before the operation and were excluded. Postoperatively thirty-five had normal sexual function. Two male patients developed transient erectile impotence while two female patients had given up active sexual life after the operation because of dyspareunia. Two patients, one male and one female had permanent impairment. It is concluded, that severe sexual dysfunction can be seen after low anterior resection for cancer, but no early conclusion about permanent sexual dysfunction should be drawn.