Rehabilitation exercise on the quality of life in anal sphincter-preserving surgery

In the recent years, there have been more and more patients with low rectal cancer who have received anal sphincter preserving surgery (ASPS). The defecation function greatly affects patient's postoperative social activity and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effects of Kegel's exercise on postoperative anal defecation and quality of life of patients following sphincter preserving surgery.

A total of 34 patients received sphincter preserving surgery. 17 patients received instruction for Kegel's exercise postoperatively and 17 patients did not. Defecation function and quality of life were compared between the two groups by FACT-C questionnaire.

The response rate of FACT-C questionnaire was 64.7% (22 in 34 patients). These 22 patients were divided into two groups: exercise group (n=11) and the non-exercise group (n=11). No significant differences were found in the demographic data between the two groups. Although the defecation frequency of the exercise group was better than the non-exercise group, no statistical difference was found. The total scores of the quality of life of the exercise group were significantly higher than those in the non-exercise group (p=0.038).

This preliminary study found that Kegel's exercises may have a positive impact on the quality of life in patients undergoing anal sphincter preserving surgery.