Abstract
Aim: Most patients have impaired bowel function after sphincter-sparing surgery (SPS) combined with total mesorectal excision (TME). This study evaluated bowel dysfunction's effect on a patient's psychological state using the LARS Questionnaire (LARS-Q) and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Bowel Function Instrument (MSK-BFI).
 Material and Methods: Between June 2019 and June 2022, 127 patients operated on for rectal cancer with TME and SPS were examined regarding bowel dysfunction in the sixth postoperative month. The LARS score and MSK-BFI assessed bowel function. Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and Beck hopelessness inventory (BHI) were also applied to the patients. The correlation of LARS-Q and MSK-BFI questionnaire scores was examined with each other and the other three questionnaire scores.
 Results: Major LARS was seen in 29.9% of the patients. MSK-BFI scores were found to be 60. The median MSK-BFI scores for no LARS, minor LARS, and major LARS were 77, 68, and 52, respectively. Strong correlations were found between MSK-BFI and LARS-Q (rs -0.63). When the correlation between LARS-Q and BAI, BDI, and BHI was evaluated, rs 0.38, rs 0.49, and rs 0.56 were found, respectively. When the correlation between MSK-BFI and BAI, BDI, and BHI was evaluated, rs -0.67, -0.71, and -0.74 were found, respectively.
 Conclusion: Bowel dysfunction is a prevalent condition after sphincter-sparing rectal cancer surgery. Impaired sphincter functions significantly affect patients' social and emotional aspects and negatively affect their quality of life.
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