[Potency problems in rectal surgery].

Abstract

Erectile impotency has an anatomic cause in 90% of the patients. Psychic problems may understandably develop later on. Rectal surgery can induce neural, arterial, or combined neurovascular lesions. Isolated vascular lesions cover, according to our experience, between 30% and 40% of the cases. They can be treated by revascularisation with a good success-rate. Good apprehension of topographic anatomy of nerves and arteries might preserve erectile potency in many patients.