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Murine Ileocolic Bowel Resection with Primary Anastomosis
Published on: October 29, 2014
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Long-term bowel dysfunction following low anterior resection
Audrius Dulskas1,2,3, Povilas Kavaliauskas4, Lukas Pilipavicius5
1Department of Abdominal and General Surgery and Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 1 Santariskiu Str., 08406, Vilnius, Lithuania. audrius.dulskas@gmail.com.
Scientific Reports
|July 19, 2020
Summary
Long-term bowel function after rectal cancer surgery can be significantly impacted by preoperative radiotherapy, leading to low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). This study highlights radiotherapy as a key risk factor for persistent defecation issues post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Colorectal Surgery
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Low anterior resection (LAR) is a common surgical procedure for rectal cancer.
- Long-term bowel dysfunction, known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), affects a significant portion of patients.
- Understanding risk factors for LARS is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term bowel function in patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer.
- To identify risk factors associated with postoperative bowel disorders, specifically LARS.
- To evaluate the impact of preoperative treatments on late bowel function.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study including 150 patients who underwent LAR between 2010-2015.
- Assessment of bowel function using the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score and Wexner questionnaire.
- Analysis of potential risk factors, including tumor location and preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy.
Main Results:
- 58% of analyzed patients (125 total) experienced LARS (33% major, 25% minor).
- Wexner scores indicated varying degrees of fecal incontinence in 65.6% of patients.
- Univariate analysis identified preoperative radiotherapy as the sole significant risk factor for developing LARS.
Conclusions:
- Preoperative radiotherapy is associated with increased late defecation problems after rectal cancer surgery.
- Further research is needed to mitigate LARS in patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy.
- Optimizing preoperative treatment strategies may improve long-term bowel function post-LAR.
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