Functional outcome of low rectal resection evaluated by anorectal manometry

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is characterized by disordered bowel function following rectal resection, negatively affecting patient quality of life.
• Laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) is a common surgical approach for rectal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate anorectal function in patients one year after laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR).
• To assess the correlation between LARS severity and specific anorectal manometry parameters.

Main Methods:

• Prospective clinical cohort study at a single institution.
• Utilized the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score and high-resolution anorectal manometry.
• Assessed 65 patients one year post-laparoscopic LAR.

Main Results:

• Minor LARS affected 33.9% and major LARS 36.9% of patients.
• Anorectal manometry showed decreased resting anal sphincter pressure and reduced rectal compliance and volume tolerability.
• Increased LARS severity correlated with reduced resting pressure, rectal compliance, and volume tolerability parameters.

Conclusions:

• The majority of patients undergoing laparoscopic LAR develop symptoms of LARS.
• Impaired anorectal function, including decreased resting anal sphincter pressures and rectal compliance, is common post-laparoscopic LAR.