Background: Effects of colorectal resection on sexual function and the lower urinary tract are inadequately studied in patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD). This study aimed to increase existing knowledge on sexual function and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in HD male adolescents operated with minimally invasive endorectal pull-through (ERPT).
Methods: Non-syndromic male adolescents (12-18 years) operated with ERPT were invited to participate in this single-center cross-sectional study which included a semi-structured interview on sexual function and LUTS, a questionnaire recording LUTS, and a urodynamic study. Uroflowmetry curves were eligible for evaluation if the voided volume was >50% of expected bladder capacity. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.
Results: Of 37 eligible male adolescents, 35 (95%) with a median age of 14.9 (12.0 -18.3) years were included. 94% had rectosigmoid aganglionosis, and 97% underwent a minimally invasive ERPT. 34 (97%) visited the outpatient clinic. The ability to get erections and to ejaculate was assessed in 25/35 (71%) adolescents. 25/25 (100%) could get an erection, and of adolescents ≥15 years 14/15 (93%) could ejaculate. 32 (91%) returned the questionnaire and underwent urodynamic studies. 15/32 (47%) reported LUTS, but most had only sporadic LUTS. 31/32 (97%) were highly satisfied with their bladder function. Sporadic urinary incontinence was reported by 4/32 (13%), but none reported social problems due to this. Of the eligible 28/32 (88%) uroflowmetry curves, 15/28 (54%) were normal.
Conclusions: Minimally invasive ERPT seems to preserve sexual function and does not induce lower urinary tract symptoms in adolescent HD males.
Level of evidence: III.
Keywords: Adolescence; Endorectal pull-through; Hirschsprung disease; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Minimally invasive surgery; Sexual function.
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