Reducing Low Anterior Resection Syndrome After Low Rectal Cancer Surgery Using an Integrated Intra-Anal Balloon...

Area of Science:

• Colorectal Surgery
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common complication after rectal cancer surgery, causing significant bowel dysfunction.
• Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) can help manage LARS, but home-based training often suffers from poor technique accuracy and low adherence.
• Lack of real-time feedback and monitoring devices limits the effectiveness of traditional home-based PFMT for LARS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel integrated balloon biofeedback device for home-based PFMT in patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery for low rectal cancer.
• To assess the device's impact on PFMT technique accuracy, patient adherence, LARS reduction, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A nonrandomized controlled trial involved 164 patients with low rectal cancer.
• The intervention group (n=82) used a balloon biofeedback device with real-time app feedback for PFMT.
• The control group (n=82) performed PFMT without equipment, with training initiated early post-surgery and continued through stoma reversal.

Main Results:

• The biofeedback group demonstrated significantly higher PFMT accuracy and adherence compared to the control group (P<.001).
• Patients using the device had significantly lower LARS scores and a markedly reduced incidence of major LARS (20.7% vs 54.9%, P<.001).
• Global health and quality of life scores were significantly improved in the intervention group (P<.001).

Conclusions:

• The integrated balloon biofeedback device effectively enhances PFMT accuracy and adherence in LARS patients.
• The device significantly reduces LARS incidence and severity, while improving quality of life post-rectal cancer surgery.
• Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is warranted to confirm long-term efficacy and support clinical implementation.