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Impact of rectopexy on sexual function: a cohort analysis

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International Journal of Colorectal Disease Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) is an established surgical technique for the treatment of both rectal prolapse and symptomatic rectoceles. It is, however, not known whether LVR influences sexual function (SF). The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the impact of this procedure on the SF of patients.

Methods

All female patients after LVR procedure in a single institution were identified and were sent a questionnaire concerning SF. This addressed sexual activity, satisfaction, preoperative SF, and the impact of surgery on SF. Furthermore, the PISQ-12 validated sexual functioning questionnaire was sent to all female patients.

Results

A total of 217 patients were sent a questionnaire. These patients underwent LVR for rectal prolapse, symptomatic rectocele, or enterocele between 2004 and 2011. Mean age was 62 years (range 22–89). Mean follow-up was 30 months (range 5–83). Response rate was 64 % (139 patients). The number of sexual active patients dropped from 71 to 54 % after surgery. The number of patients being satisfied with their SF remained relatively equal; 91 % of patients before and 85 % of patients after surgery. Forty-three percent of patients stated that the LVR procedure did not influence their sexual function, in 16 % of patients, the procedure positively influenced their SF, and in 13 % of respondents, SF decreased after surgery. The mean PISQ-12 score postoperatively was 34 out of 48.

Conclusions

The impact of LVR on SF of patients seems limited in this cross-sectional study in a large cohort of patients.

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Conflict of interest

Drs. Formijne Jonkers, Draaisma, Consten and Broeders, and Ms. Poierrié have no conflicts of interest or financial ties to disclose.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Surgery, Meander Medical Center, Utrechtseweg 160, 3818 ES, Amersfoort, The Netherlands

    H. A. Formijne Jonkers, N. Poierrié, W. A. Draaisma, I. A. M. J. Broeders & E. C. J. Consten

  2. Institute of Technical Medicine, Twente University, Enschede, The Netherlands

    I. A. M. J. Broeders

Authors
  1. H. A. Formijne Jonkers
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  2. N. Poierrié
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  3. W. A. Draaisma
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  4. I. A. M. J. Broeders
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  5. E. C. J. Consten
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. C. J. Consten.

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Formijne Jonkers, H.A., Poierrié, N., Draaisma, W.A. et al. Impact of rectopexy on sexual function: a cohort analysis. Int J Colorectal Dis 28, 1579–1582 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-013-1736-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-013-1736-3

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