The assessment of urinary function following extended lymph node dissection for colorectal cancer

Aims The aim of the current study is to demonstrate whether the effects of extended systematic lymph-node dissection (ESLND) on urinary dysfunctions differ from those of curative radical surgery (CRS) only for rectal cancer. Methods We present data about our patients who underwent rectal resection for rectal cancer over 5 years. One hundred and seventy patients with rectal cancer were reviewed with respect to surgical procedures and post-operative urinary problems. Results We performed CRS on 146 patients and CRS+ESLND on 24 patients, and analysed the incidence of post-operative urinary dysfunction in both groups. Urinary incontinence rates were 39 and 58%, urinary retention rates were 4 and 16%, for the patients from CRS group and CRS+ESLND group, respectively. Conclusions We conclude that the addition of ESLND to CRS does not increase the frequency of post-operative urinary dysfunction, apart from an increased risk of urinary retention.