Prospective evaluation of bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Bowel dysfunction is a common complication following rectal cancer surgery.
• Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) significantly impacts patients' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the incidence of LARS after rectal cancer surgery.
• To characterize the long-term effects of LARS on bowel function and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 78 patients undergoing anterior resection for rectal cancer.
• Assessment at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months post-ileostomy reversal using validated questionnaires (LARS score, MSK-BFI, FIQL, EORTC-QLQ30).

Main Results:

• "Major LARS" incidence decreased from 55.6% at 1 month to 34.6% at 12 months.
• Patients experienced persistent bowel dysfunction, including less diarrhea but higher LARS scores and worse Memorial Sloan Kettering Bowel Function Instrument (MSK-BFI) scores at 12 months compared to baseline.
• Significant negative impact on quality of life was reported by 77.7% of patients with "major LARS" at 12 months.

Conclusions:

• Bowel dysfunction, characterized by LARS, is prevalent and impacts quality of life long after rectal cancer surgery.
• Informed patient counseling regarding potential treatment consequences is crucial for managing expectations and improving outcomes.