Early medication to prevent sexual dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery

After surgery to remove rectal cancer, many men experience erectile dysfunction—even when nerves are carefully preserved during the operation. This trial is testing whether starting sildenafil (a medication that improves blood flow to support erections) early after surgery—within 30 days—and continuing it for 10 months can help prevent or reduce this common side effect. Half of the men in the study will receive the medication, and half will receive a placebo (inactive pill) to see if the treatment actually works.

Erectile dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery happens in many men and significantly affects their quality of life. Research suggests that starting this medication early might prevent permanent tissue damage that can develop after surgery, but this approach hasn't been thoroughly tested in men with rectal cancer yet.