[Disturbances of sexual function following rectal excision and sphincter preserving resections of the rectum (author's transl)].

Male sexual function represents a many-sided effect. The disturbances aredeveloped in variable degress. Impotency after excision of malignant tumours occurs in each second patient and after anterior resection is in a third of patients observed. A modest chance for recovery is possible. Careful anatomic dissection is of utmost importance to safe guard the sexual function following curative excision of cancer. This way is less likely to cause injury to the nerves in the critical areas.