Urinary dysfunction after colorectal cancer treatment and impact on quality of life—a national cross‐sectional study in males

Abstract

Abstract Aim Despite advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer, postoperative urogenital dysfunction is still a problem although its exact extent remains unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and patterns of urinary dysfunction in men following treatment for colorectal cancer and the impact of urinary dysfunction on quality of life. Method A retrospective national Danish cross‐sectional study was performed in patients treated for colorectal cancer between 2001 and 2014. Patients answered questionnaires on urinary function and quality of life including the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire—Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms measuring voiding and incontinence. Results were analysed based on data on demographics and treatment‐related factors obtained from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database. Results A total of 5710 patients responded to the questionnaire (response rate 52.8%). In both crude analysis and after adjusting for patient‐related factors (age, time since surgery and American Society of Anesthesiologists score), both voiding ( P < 0.0001) and incontinence scores ( P < 0.0001) were significantly higher after rectal cancer than after colon cancer. In the rectal cancer group, abdominoperineal excision was found to be a significant risk factor for both voiding ( P < 0.0001) and incontinence ( P = 0.011), while radiotherapy only impaired continence ( P = 0.014). Significant correlations between high voiding and incontinence scores and impaired quality of life were found in both groups. Conclusion We found a high prevalence of urinary dysfunction following treatment for colorectal cancer, especially in the rectal cancer group. Abdominoperineal excision was the most significant risk factor for both voiding and incontinence. Urinary dysfunction significantly impairs patients' quality of life.