Functional consequences of colorectal cancer management

Functional outcomes of colorectal cancer treatment are an increasingly prominent interest of patients, clinicians, and researchers. The current literature on function after colorectal cancer treatment is difficult to assimilate, with many small, retrospective studies that use a wide variety of nonvalidated measurement tools. Post-treatment dysfunction after rectal cancer therapy is common and often severe. Post-treatment dysfunction is usually less severe for colon cancer patients. Functional outcomes pertinent to colorectal cancer can generally be categorized into three domains: bowel, sexual, and urinary. Several therapies are being explored to improve function, including pharmacologic methods, control and strengthening exercises, and surgical techniques. Further research is needed.