Patient reported outcomes after multivisceral resection for advanced rectal cancers in female patients.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Multivisceral resections for rectal cancer can lead to long-term functional disturbances. This study aims to evaluate the quality-of-life outcomes in female patients who underwent multivisceral resection for rectal cancer, specifically focusing on urinary and sexual functions. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on female patients who underwent multivisceral rectal resections. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC QLQ-CR29. RESULTS: Out of 198 female patients that underwent multivisceral resections, 69 were assessable for functional outcomes. The uterus was removed in 42 patients (61%), and the posterior vaginal wall in 34 (49%). A vaginal reconstructive procedure was carried out in 30% (21 patients). Patients reported the most troubles with urinary frequency (mean 69.6; SD 9.9), hair loss (mean 64.7; SD 13.9), pain during intercourse (mean 44; SD 40.7), and bowel frequency (mean 36.9; SD -10.7) in this order. Amongst the functional scales, anxiety about future health (mean 42.5; SD -018.9) and interest in sex (mean 57.2; SD 33.2) scored the lowest. CONCLUSION: Multivisceral rectal resections in female patients are associated with physical and psychosocial changes resulting in urinary and bowel complaints, anxiety about future health, poor sexual health, and pain.