[Management and re-thinking of low anterior resection syndrome based on present anal preservation strategy]

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is defined as a syndrome characterized by various abnormal defecation symptoms, including increased defecation times, urgency, frequent defecation, and fecal incontinence. LARS commonly develops after sphincter-preserving operation or reduction of protective ileostomy. The symptoms of LARS will alleviate gradually, and some patients may return to normal or basically normal. However, 60%-80% of the patients remains to suffer from LARS. Their daily life and psychosocial functionare seriously impaired. At present, the etiology of LARS is not well understood, but many factors are associated with LARS, such as tumor location, radiotherapy and surgical techniques and so on.