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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2019; 32(03): 204-211
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1677027
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Overlooked Long-Term Complications of Colorectal Surgery

Matthew D. Giglia
1   Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
,
Sharon L. Stein
1   Division of Colorectal Surgery, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 April 2019 (online)

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Abstract

While colorectal surgery has been documented to have some of the highest complication rates in the surgical field, some of the more common, functional complications are often overlooked in the literature and in discussion with patients. Urinary, sexual, and defecatory dysfunction are common after colorectal surgery, especially after pelvic dissections, and may severely impact the postoperative quality of life for patients. These complications include urinary retention, erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, dyspareunia, infertility, and low anterior resection syndrome. The majority is rooted in autonomic nerve damage, both sympathetic and parasympathetic, that occurs during mobilization and resection of the sigmoid colon and rectum. While not all of these postoperative complications are preventable, treatment strategies have been developed to ameliorate the impact on quality of life. Given the high incidence and direct effect on patients, clinicians should be familiar with the etiology, prevention, and treatment strategies of these complications to provide the highest quality of care.

Keywords

postoperative complication - bladder dysfunction - sexual dysfunction - low anterior resection syndrome
 

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