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Preoperative Chemoradiation for Rectal Cancer Causes Prolonged Pudendal Nerve Terminal Motor Latency

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Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Purpose

A worsened anorectal function after chemoradiation for high-risk rectal cancer is often attributed to radiation damage of the anorectum and pelvic floor. Its impact on pudendal nerve function is unclear. This prospective study evaluated the short-term effect of preoperative combined chemoradiation on anorectal physiologic and pudendal nerve function.

Methods

Sixty-six patients (39 men, 27 women) with localized resectable (T3, T4, or N1) rectal cancer were included in the study. All patients received 45 Gy (1.8 Gy/day in 25 fractions) over five weeks, plus 5-fluorouracil (350 mg/m2/day) and leucovorin (20 mg/m2/day) concurrently on days 1 to 5 and 29 to 33. Patients who had rectal cancer with a distal margin within 6 cm of the anal verge had the anus included in the field of radiotherapy (Group A, n = 26). Patients who had rectal cancer with a distal margin 6 to 12 cm from the anal verge had shielding of the anus during radiotherapy (Group B, n = 40). The Wexner continence score, anorectal manometry and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency were assessed at baseline and four weeks after completion of chemoradiation.

Results

The median Wexner score deteriorated significantly (P < 0.0001) from 0 to 2.5 for both Groups A (range, 0–8) and B (range, 0–14). The maximum resting anal pressures were unchanged after chemoradiation. The maximum squeeze anal pressures were reduced (mean = 166.5–157.5 mmHg) after chemoradiation. This change was similar in both Groups A and B. Eighteen patients (Group A = 7, Group B = 11) developed prolonged pudendal nerve terminal motor latency after chemoradiation. These 18 patients similarly had a worsened median Wexner continence score (range, 0–3) and maximum squeeze anal pressures (mean = 165.5–144 mmHg). The results obtained were independent of tumor response to chemoradiation.

Conclusions

Preoperative chemoradiation for rectal cancer carries a significant risk of pudendal neuropathy, which might contribute to the incidence of fecal incontinence after restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer.

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Acknowledgment

The authors thank Dr. Mark Cullinan for his invaluable assistance with the data entry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Colorectal Surgery, Royal Melbourne and Epworth Hospitals, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    Jit F. Lim M.B.B.S., F.R.C.S. (Glasg.) & Joe J. Tjandra M.D., F.R.A.C.S.

  2. Department of Colorectal Oncology, Epworth Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia

    Jit F. Lim M.B.B.S., F.R.C.S. (Glasg.), Joe J. Tjandra M.D., F.R.A.C.S., Richard Hiscock M.B.B.S., F.A.N.Z.C.A., Michael W. T. Chao M.B.B.S., F.R.A.N.Z.C.R. & Peter Gibbs M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.P.

  3. Private Medical Center, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Suites 15 and 16, Level 3, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3050, Australia

    Joe J. Tjandra M.D., F.R.A.C.S.

Authors
  1. Jit F. Lim M.B.B.S., F.R.C.S. (Glasg.)
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  2. Joe J. Tjandra M.D., F.R.A.C.S.
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  3. Richard Hiscock M.B.B.S., F.A.N.Z.C.A.
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  4. Michael W. T. Chao M.B.B.S., F.R.A.N.Z.C.R.
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  5. Peter Gibbs M.B.B.S., F.R.A.C.P.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joe J. Tjandra M.D., F.R.A.C.S..

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Lim, J.F., Tjandra, J.J., Hiscock, R. et al. Preoperative Chemoradiation for Rectal Cancer Causes Prolonged Pudendal Nerve Terminal Motor Latency. Dis Colon Rectum 49, 12–19 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-005-0221-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10350-005-0221-7

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