SEXUAL FUNCTION FOLLOWING RESTORATIVE PROCTOCOLECTOMY IN WOMEN

This study was undertaken to identify the incidence and ty pe of sexua l dysfunction experienced by women after undergoing restorative procto colectomy. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 262 females who underw ent restorative proctocolectomy by a simple surgeon from 1984 to 1993. The response rate was 35 percent (92/262). Additional information was gained from our pelvic pouch data base. Mean follow-up was 43 (6-130) months. RESULTS: Following surgery, a significant increase was found in vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, pain interfering with sexual pleasure , and limiting of sexual activity because of concerns of stool leakage . There was no significant change in sexual desire, arousal, sensitivi ty, frequency of intercourse, of satisfaction with sexual relationship . CONCLUSION: Potential sexual dysfunction following restorative proct ocolectomy in women merits discussion in preoperative counseling with the patient.