Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Robot-assisted Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection for Locally Advanced Middle-low Rectal Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2022
Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer and anorectal sphincter dysfunction: Review of the literature
Dimitrios Massaras1, Eirini Pantiora, Eirini Sotirova
12nd Department of Surgery, 'Aretaieion' University Hospital, Medical School of Athens, Greece.
Purpose:
The purpose of this article was to review the current medical literature regarding deterioration of anorectal function in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy before surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer.
Methods:
We reviewed the current literature including research studies, electronic database PUBMED-MEDLINE, published research results and metanalysis papers from high-volume institutes, collecting and comparing the different results. Pathophysiology as well as emerging solutions for treating anorectal sphincter dysfunction were researched in order to provide an insight of this complex issue.
Results:
All available data suggest that neoadjuvant radiation therapy impairs internal anal sphincter function mostly through nerve damaging mechanisms, as nerves are more susceptible to damage than muscular fibers.
Conclusion:
Current radiotherapy recommendations are oriented in exclusion of anal canal from radiation field when oncologically safe or using new sphincter-sparing techniques for neoadjuvant radiotherapy aiming to improve the patient quality of life receiving radiation therapy prior to surgery. However, more well designed studies are required to assess the pathophysiology as well as treatment options for this complex matter, which strongly affects the quality of life of rectal cancer patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Adsorbents...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists

