Does laparoscopic colorectal resection for diverticular disease impair male urinary and sexual function?

Background: Laparoscopic colorectal resection may induce bladder and sexual dysfunction secondary to injury to the autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary and sexual function in male patients after laparoscopic colorectal resection for diverticular disease. Methods: From January 1997 to March 2002, we performed a retrospective analysis of urinary and sexual function in 56 consecutive male patients who had undergone laparoscopic colorectal resection for diverticular disease. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative assessment was carried out using data collected via standardized postal questionnaires. Results: Three patients were excluded (one had a prior prostatectomy, one had Peyronie's disease, and one was treated with neuroleptics). Fifty-three patients with a mean age of 54 +/- 2 years were included in the study. There were no conversions. The morbidity rate was 9.4%. Mean follow-up was 27 +/- 2 months. There was no significant difference in preoperative and postoperative urinary function. Fifty-one patients (96%) were sexually active preoperatively and were still sexually active post-operatively. Compared with the preoperative period, postoperative impairment of libido, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm were not significant. Every patient was able to achieve ejaculation after the intervention, and no retrograde ejaculations were reported. One patient was unable to have an erection after the intervention. Conclusion: Laparoscopic colorectal resection for diverticular disease does not significantly impair urinary and sexual function.