[Long-term clinical effects of preoperative radiotherapy on anal function after intersphincteric resection]

The aim of this study was to determine whether preoperative radiotherapy had an influence on the anal function of patients having an intersphincteric resection (ISR).

We evaluated a long-term outcome and postoperative anal function in 22 patients having undergone ISR for low rectal cancer.

There was no significant difference between the irradiated and nonirradiated group in the postoperative complications and oncological outcome. After a median follow-up of 6 .8 years, the number of bowel movements per 24 hours in patients with and without radiation was 4 .5 and 2 .7, respectively. Poor anal function assessed by Wexner incontinence score and Kirwan classification were significantly associated with preoperative radiotherapy.

Preoperative radiotherapy was identified as a risk factor with the greatest negative impact on anal function after ISR.