Late and Long-term Symptom Management in Colorectal Cancer Survivorship

A 59-year-old previously healthy, asymptomatic man initially presented for his first screening colonoscopy. At this time, a friable, partially obstructing tumor was encountered in his proximal rectum. Final workup demonstrated a mrT2N1M0 upper rectal cancer. The patient went on to successfully complete total neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and was taken to the operating room for an uncomplicated robotic-assisted low anterior resection with primary anastomosis. His final pathology revealed an ypT2N1M0 rectal cancer, and he was subsequently followed in surveillance per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. At long-term follow-up visits he continued to report significant depressive symptoms and functional impairment. Despite aggressive medical management with fiber supplementation and antidiarrheal medications, the patient continued to struggle with bowel movement frequency and urgency. He reported having 4 to 6 clustered bowel movements during the day and 1 to 2 stools at night that significantly limited his ability to perform normal day-to-day activities.