Reconsidering the LARS score: a cross-sectional descriptive study exploring complementary screening approaches for...

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Gastroenterology
• Oncology

Background:

• LARS score is a common tool for screening bowel dysfunction post-rectal cancer surgery.
• Clinical experience suggests potential limitations of the LARS score in accurately reflecting patient experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if the International Consensus Definition of LARS (Low Anterior Resection Syndrome) complements the LARS score.
• To identify patients with bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery more comprehensively.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of patients treated for rectal cancer.
• Retrospective collection of demographic and clinical data.
• Assessment of functional outcomes using both LARS score and International Consensus Definition criteria.

Main Results:

• The LARS score identified 62.9% with no LARS, 16.1% with minor LARS, and 21% with major LARS.
• The International Consensus Definition identified 38.7% of patients with LARS.
• Nine patients (14.5%) had differing classifications between the two tools, with the ICD capturing impact on daily life.

Conclusions:

• The International Consensus Definition did not significantly increase patient identification but provided complementary information on symptom consequences.
• Combining the LARS score and the International Consensus Definition offers a more comprehensive evaluation of LARS.
• Further development of multidimensional instruments for LARS assessment is warranted.