Investigating urinary and sexual function after laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer

A Prospective, Multicenter Clinical Study of Preservative Effect on Postoperative Urinary and Sexual Function During Laparoscopic Functional Total Mesorectum Excision for Male Rectal Cancer Patients

Not applicable Interventional Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University · NCT05049317

This study is testing if a specific type of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer can help men keep their urinary and sexual function after the operation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment88 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexMale
SponsorRenmin Hospital of Wuhan University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wuhan, Hubei)
Trial IDNCT05049317 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of laparoscopic functional total mesorectum excision (FTME) on urinary and sexual function in male patients with mid-low rectal cancer. It is a prospective, single-arm, multicenter, uncontrolled clinical study involving 88 eligible subjects. Participants will undergo laparoscopic FTME surgery, and their demographic information, surgical details, postoperative outcomes, and follow-up data will be collected and analyzed. The study seeks to provide higher-level evidence regarding the benefits of this surgical approach in preserving nerve function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males aged 18-70 with mid-low rectal cancer and normal urinary and sexual function.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of major abdominal or pelvic surgery or those requiring emergency surgery due to complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved urinary and sexual function outcomes for male patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated potential benefits of nerve plane-oriented surgical techniques, but this specific approach is being evaluated for the first time in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male, 18-70 years of age, informed consent;
2. Tumors from anal edge 6 \~ 12 cm (measured by rigid proctoscope);
3. Rectal cancer confirmed pathologically by endoscopic biopsy;
4. Preoperative cT1-3aN0M0 stage (ESMO, 2013);
5. Ro resection is expected;
6. Normal urinary function, normal erection function and ejaculation function grading as I level;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of abdominal and pelvic major surgery;
2. Emergency surgery is needed due to the complication (bleeding, obstruction, or perforation) caused by rectal cancer;
3. Pelvic or distant metastasis;
4. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy;
5. No sexual life;

Where this trial is running

Wuhan, Hubei

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rectal CancerNerve planeSexual dysfunctionUrinary dysfunctionTotal mesorectal excision
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.