The incidence and consequences of damage to the parasympathetic nerve supply to the bladder after abdominoperineal resection of the rectum for carcinoma.

Fifty-one patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection of the rectum for carcinoma were studied with regard to bladder function after surgery. Fifty-nine per cent had motor denervation of the bladder due to tumour or operative damage to the pelvic parasympathetic nerves and this produced symptoms of incomplete bladder emptying requiring treatment in 90% of this group. The factors affecting the incidence of nerve damage were discussed. The long-term effect of parasympathetic nerve damage was investigated and the management is discussed.