Symptoms Of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Research Articles

The Effect of Anastomotic Leakage on the Incidence and Severity of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome in Patients Undergoing Proctectomy: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

PurposeProctectomy for the treatment of rectal cancer results in inevitable changes to bowel habits. Symptoms such as fecal incontinence, constipation, and tenesmus are collectively referred to as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Among the several risk factors that cause LARS, anastomotic leakage (AL) is a strong risk factor for permanent stoma formation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of LARS and AL in patients with rectal cancer based on the LARS score and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) defecation symptom questionnaires.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer since January 2010. Patients who completed the questionnaire were classified into the AL group and control group based on medical and imaging records. Major LARS and MSKCC scores were analyzed as primary endpoints.ResultsAmong the 179 patients included in this study, 37 were classified into the AL group. After propensity score matching, there were significant differences in the ratio of major LARS and MSKCC scores of the control group and AL group (ratio of major LARS: 11.1% and 37.8%, P < 0.001; MSKCC score: 67.29±10.4 and 56.49±7.2, respectively, P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that AL was an independent factor for major LARS occurrence and MSKCC score.ConclusionThis study showed that AL was a significant factor in the occurrence of major LARS and defecation symptoms after proctectomy.

Risk factors for major low anterior resection syndrome: meta-analysis and systematic literature review

Introduction — Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a socially significant problem that impedes social adaptation and contributes to deterioration of life quality in patients. The objective of this study was to search for the category of patients most prone to major LARS, as well as to identify the factors determining the severity of this syndrome manifestations. Material and Methods — Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The study selected publications that included the functional results of treatment of patients operated for rectal cancer. Functional impairments were assessed according to the international LARS Score. Statistical analysis was performed using the inverse-variance weighted average method (IVW) with calculation of the odds ratio logarithm and standard error of the mean. Results — After a critical search and analysis of all literature sources, eight studies were found suitable for meta-analysis. In total, 1042 patients (796 men and 246 women) were included into statistical analysis, 409 of which (39.2%) had symptoms of major LARS. Chemotherapy was performed on 637 (62.5%) patients, while 568 subjects (55.5%) underwent radiation therapy, and anastomotic leaks were described in 89 (8.5%) people. According to the results of the meta-analysis, statistically significant factors were: preventative ostomy (OR=3.32, 95% CI 1.99-5.55, p&lt;0.00001), chemotherapy (OR=1.98, 95% CI 1.23-3, 19, p=0.005), radiation therapy (OR=5.00, 95% CI 2.73-9.13, p &lt;0.00001), anastomotic leaks (OR=2.93, 95% CI 2.30-3, 73, p&lt;0.00001), anal verge distance from anastomosis site (OR=2.61, 95% CI 1.47-4.62, p=0.001). Conclusion — The results of our meta-analysis allowed us identifying the group of rectal cancer patients most vulnerable to LARS. The risk of developing severe functional disorders is significantly higher in patients with low colorectal anastomosis, as well as in patients undergoing neoadjuvant radiation therapy.

Multicenter investigation of bowel evacuation function after transanal total mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer

To determine the effect of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) procedure on the postoperative bowel evacuation function of patients with low rectal cancer. Bowel evacuation function was investigated in 316 patients with rectal cancer after taTME in 18 hospitals in China. Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score, Wexner score, and EORTC QLQ-C30 were used for functional evaluation. The association between perioperative risk factors and LARS score was determined by univariate and multivariate analyses. The prevalence rate of no LARS, minor LARS, and major LARS in patients after taTME was 39.9%, 28.2%, and 31.9%, respectively. The two most frequently reported symptoms of LARS after taTME were bowel clustering (72.8%) and fecal urgency (63.3%). Patients with major LARS had significantly higher Wexner score and worse global health status and financial difficulties according to the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire than those without major LARS. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy was an independent risk factor of major LARS occurrence after taTME (OR: 3.503, P = 0.044); existing preoperative constipation (OR: 0.082, P = 0.040) and manual anastomosis (OR: 4.536, P = 0.021) were favorable factors affecting bowel evacuatory function within 12 months after taTME, but for patients whose follow-up time was longer than 12 months, postoperative chemoradiotherapy (OR: 8.790, P = 0.001) and defunctioning stoma (OR: 3.962, P = 0.010) were independent risk factors. The bowel evacuation function after taTME is acceptable. Perioperative chemoradiotherapy, anastomotic method, and preoperative constipation are factors associated with bowel dysfunction after taTME.

The Acceptability of Faecal Microbiota Transplant for Anterior Resection Syndrome (AFFINITY) Study

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is recognised as disordered bowel function after rectal resection. Temporary ileostomy is associated with LARS and with reduced colonic bacteria. Faecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is the introduction of enteric bacteria from healthy donors into a patient’s gut. We hypothesise that FMT could improve bowel function after ileostomy reversal. We aim to determine whether FMT would be acceptable to patients. Patients who had undergone anterior resection in the previous two years across four sites were sent questionnaires. A group of patients were invited to a focus group to explore their views further. There were 98 eligible patients, of whom 40 responded (41%); 67% were male, median age was 67 (range 31–83) years, and 11 still had a stoma. Of those who had their stoma reversed, 52% had major LARS symptoms. Sixty-five percent thought the concept of FMT sounded effective and 70% were willing to try it. A healthy anonymous donor and FMT via enema were the most acceptable options to the respondents. Seven patients attended the focus group; 2 female, 5 male, mean age 66 (range 45–75) years. All patients thought FMT was acceptable but the word “faecal” made it less acceptable. All participants would consider entering a trial with FMT as a treatment option. The main concerns were safety and efficacy. The majority of patients who responded thought FMT was acceptable and were willing to try it as a potential treatment option.

Clinical nursing management of low anterior resection syndrome – a practical guide to understanding and managing symptoms

Low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision and reconstruction with coloanal anastomosis is the optimal treatment of nondisseminated rectal cancer in selected patients and has seen a decrease in permanent stomas. However, up to 60% of patients can suffer from bothersome functional bowel complaints associated with the surgery and neo-adjuvant and adjuvant therapies, which are known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). LARS symptoms include faecal urgency, incontinence, frequency, constipation and incomplete emptying, in which patients may suffer from one or multiple symptoms. Patients should be informed about the possibility of permanent changes to their bowel function and what impact it could have on their quality of life. Nursing involvement is key to optimising symptoms and patient quality of life for patients suffering with LARS. Nursing management includes performing a physical assessment and determining the severity of LARS symptoms and effect on quality of life. Treatments available for LARS are based around the symptoms the patient is suffering and can include dietary modifications; biofeedback and pelvic floor physiotherapy; dietary fibre supplements / bulking agents; medications; transanal irrigation; surgical options and education.

Management and re-thinking of low anterior resection syndrome based on present anal preservation strategy

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is defined as a syndrome characterized by various abnormal defecation symptoms, including increased defecation times, urgency, frequent defecation, and fecal incontinence. LARS commonly develops after sphincter-preserving operation or reduction of protective ileostomy. The symptoms of LARS will alleviate gradually, and some patients may return to normal or basically normal. However, 60%-80% of the patients remains to suffer from LARS. Their daily life and psychosocial functionare seriously impaired. At present, the etiology of LARS is not well understood, but many factors are associated with LARS, such as tumor location, radiotherapy and surgical techniques and so on.

The Watford low anterior resection syndrome pathway for pre- and post-stoma reversal patients

There is increasing awareness of the high incidence of bowel dysfunction experienced by patients after sphincter-preserving rectal resection, termed low anterior resection syndrome (LARS); there remains no agreement on effective methods of treatment or effective management strategies. In West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, there were no set protocols in place prior to the development of a nurse-led LARS clinic, which has ensured that all patients undergoing anterior resection surgery are monitored, encouraged and empowered to take an active role in their own care. While being the first point of contact for these patients, the nurse works as part of a wider multidisciplinary team (MDT) and the surgical consultants continue to have overall responsibility for patient care. The Watford LARS pathway is a guide with a method of how best to approach management of patients prior to stoma reversal and in preventing symptoms of LARS. In spite of only being set up in 2018, the pathway and clinics are already showing great success.

Quality of Life After Surgery for Rectal Cancer: a Comparison of Functional Outcomes After Transanal and Laparoscopic Approaches

BackgroundThe aim in rectal cancer surgery is to cure with minimal impact on the quality of life. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) seems to be a safe and feasible alternative to laparoscopic TME (LaTME). However, limited data are available on the functional outcomes after TaTME. We aimed to study the quality of life (QoL), through questionnaires, comparing different functional outcomes after TaTME and LaTME. MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent TME between 2010 and 2017 at Slagelse Hospital, Denmark, were included based on certain criteria. Patients were divided according to the surgical technique (TaTME vs LaTME). The study was based on telephone interviews using the questionnaires: EORTC-QLQ C30, EORTC-QLQ C29, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) for male patients. Patients in this study had a follow-up time of at least 8 months. ResultsOverall, global health status was similar between the groups (p = 0.625). Anorectal symptoms were significantly in disfavor of TaTME including buttock pain (p = 0.011), diarrhea (p = 0.009), clustering of stools (p = 0.017), and urgency (p = 0.032), yet total LARS score was comparable (p = 0.054). We found comparable sexual results and an overall higher satisfaction with urinary status in TaTME group (p = 0.010), yet no difference in IPSS symptoms (p = 0.236). ConclusionsAnorectal dysfunction may occur after total mesorectal excision (TME) regardless of surgical technique, frequently more in after TaTME. The LARS symptoms and the overall quality of life status were however comparable. TaTME had a positive impact on the reported QoL, related to urinary symptoms.

Perioperative radiotherapy is an independent risk factor for major LARS: a cross-sectional observational study.

Sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer is often associated with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of LARS in our institution and identify possible risk factors for LARS. Furthermore, we evaluated which of the LARS symptoms was considered most disabling by patients and whether or not there is an adaptation of the LARS score over time. This study includes a prospective database of 100 patients who underwent total or partial mesorectal excision between January 2009 and September 2014. Patients were contacted after a median postoperative time of 38 (5-45) months to determine the LARS score and to identify LARS symptoms that were considered most disabling. Uni- and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for LARS and major LARS. Finally, the LARS score was evaluated over time after restoration of bowel continuity. Out of the 100 patients, 16 had minor LARS (score 21-29) and 51 patients had major LARS (score 30-42). Radiotherapy was an independent risk factor for major LARS (p = 0.04). For the majority of patients with major LARS (22%), fragmentation was considered the most disabling complaint. There was no correlation between interval after restoration of bowel continuity and the severity of the LARS score. Perioperative radiotherapy is an independent risk factor for major LARS. Fragmentation is considered the most disabling complaint in the majority of patients with major LARS. There is no significant adaptation of the LARS score over time.

Risk factors for low anterior resection syndrome

Objective: While low anterior resection avoided a permanent stoma, it might also cause bowel dysfunction which can significantly impact patients' quality of life. The objective of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for the development of bowel dysfunction following rectal surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing anterior resection for rectal neoplasm between January 2010 and December 2015 were identified from a rectal cancer database at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Beijing Hospital. All patients were asked to fill in a low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) questionnaire. Clinical factors were compared between patients with major LARS and those with minor or no LARS using conditional logistic regression. Results: There was 254 patients enrolled in the study. One hundred and eleven (44.1%) had major LARS symptoms. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (OR=2.814, 95%CI: 1.097-5.561, P<0.001), low tumor location (OR=3.568, 95%CI: 1.159-6.546, P<0.001) and anastomotic leakage (OR=6.574, 95%CI: 1.689-15.367, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for development of major LARS symptoms. Conclusions: For patients with high risk of low anterior resection syndrome, the potential for long-term poor functional results should be discussed with patients and form a part of the decision-making in individual treatment plans. Sphincter-preserving surgery should be performed in highly selected patients to avoid major bowel dysfunction.

Validation of the Japanese Version of the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score

BackgroundThe low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score is a patient-reported outcome measure to evaluate the severity of bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery by scoring the major symptoms of LARS. The aim of this study was to translate the English version of the LARS score into Japanese and to investigate the validity and reliability of the LARS score.MethodsThe LARS score was translated in Japanese following current international recommendations. A total of 149 rectal cancer patients completed the LARS score questionnaire and were also asked a single question assessing the impact of bowel function on quality of life (QoL). A total of 136 patients answered the LARS score questionnaire twice.ResultsThe Japanese LARS score showed high convergent validity, based on its good correlation between the LARS score and QoL (p < 0.001). The LARS score was able to discriminate between patients according to the tumor distance to anal verge (p < 0.001), type of surgery (p < 0.001), and time since surgery (p = 0.001). Patients after ultra-low anterior resection and intersphincteric resection showed especially high scores. The score also had high test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.87).ConclusionThe Japanese LARS score is a valid and reliable tool for measuring LARS. The LARS score is appropriate for assessments in postoperative bowel function and international comparison. Using this score, patient-reported outcome measures of LARS in Japanese patients can be shared internationally. Additional validation reports from non-English speaking countries can support the LARS score as a worldwide assessment tool for postoperative bowel dysfunction.

Quality of Life in Rectal Cancer Patients After Chemoradiation: Watch-and-Wait Policy Versus Standard Resection - A Matched-Controlled Study.

Fifteen to twenty percent of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer have a clinical complete response after chemoradiation therapy. These patients can be offered nonoperative organ-preserving treatment, the so-called watch-and-wait policy. The main goal of this watch-and-wait policy is an anticipated improved quality of life and functional outcome in comparison with a total mesorectal excision, while maintaining a good oncological outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of life of watch-and-wait patients with a matched-controlled group of patients who underwent chemoradiation and surgery (total mesorectal excision group). This was a matched controlled study. This study was conducted at multiple centers. The study population consisted of 2 groups: 41 patients after a watch-and-wait policy and 41 matched patients after chemoradiation and surgery. Patients were matched on sex, age, tumor stage, and tumor height. All patients were disease free at the moment of recruitment after a minimal follow-up of 2 years. Quality of life was measured by validated questionnaires covering general quality of life (Short Form 36, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30), disease-specific total mesorectal excision (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-CR38), defecation problems (Vaizey and low anterior resection syndrome scores), sexual problems (International Index of Erectile Function and Female Sexual Function Index), and urinary dysfunction (International Prostate Symptom Score). The watch-and-wait group showed better physical and cognitive function, better physical and emotional roles, and better global health status compared with the total mesorectal excision group. The watch-and-wait patients showed fewer problems with defecation and sexual and urinary tract function. This study only focused on watch-and-wait patients who achieved a sustained complete response for 2 years. In addition, this is a study with a limited number of patients and with quality-of-life measurements on nonpredefined and variable intervals after surgery. After a successful watch-and-wait approach, the quality of life was better than after chemoradiation and surgery on several domains. However, chemoradiation therapy on its own is not without long-term side effects, because one-third of the watch-and-wait patients experienced major low anterior resection syndrome symptoms, compared with 66.7% of the patients in the total mesorectal excision group. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A395.

Functional outcome of low rectal resection evaluated by anorectal manometry.

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) covers disordered bowel function after rectal resection, leading to deterioration in patients' quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate anorectal function after laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) by means of standardized instruments. This was a prospective clinical cohort study conducted in a single institution to assess functional outcome of patients 1 year after laparoscopic LAR by means of LARS score and high-resolution anorectal manometry. In total, 65 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean tumour height was 9.4 ± 1.8 cm; total mesorectal excision during laparoscopic LAR with low end-to-end colorectal anastomosis was performed in all patients. One year after the surgery, minor LARS was detected in 33.9% of patients, major LARS in 36.9% of patients. Anorectal manometry revealed decreased resting pressure and normal squeeze pressure of the anal sphincters in the majority of our patients. Rectal compliance and rectal volume tolerability (first sensation, urge to defaecate and discomfort volume) were significantly reduced. The statistical testing of the correlation between LARS and manometry parameters showed that with increasing seriousness of LARS, values of some parameters (resting pressure, first sensation, urge to defaecate, discomfort volume and rectal compliance) were reduced. This study indicates that the majority of patients after laparoscopic LAR experience symptoms of minor or major LARS. These patients have decreased resting anal sphincter pressures, decreased rectal volume tolerability and decreased rectal compliance.

Functional outcome following rectal surgery-predisposing factors for low anterior resection syndrome.

Developments in surgical techniques and neoadjuvant treatment have enabled an increasing proportion of patients with rectal cancer to undergo sphincter-sparing resections. The avoidance of a permanent stoma can come at the cost of poor bowel function which can significantly impact patients' quality of life. The objective of this study was to identify the incidence and risk factors for the development of bowel dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery. Patients undergoing anterior resection for rectal cancer between January 2009 and January 2015 were identified from a rectal cancer database at a single centre. All patients who had bowel continuity restored and underwent curative resection were sent a validated low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) questionnaire. Pre-, inter- and postoperative factors were compared between patients with major LARS and those with minor or no LARS using conditional logistic regression. There was an 80% response rate (n=68). Thirty-eight patients (56%) had major LARS symptoms. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy, predominantly long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT), was an independent risk factor for development of major LARS symptoms, while restoration of bowel continuity within 6months was protective. The use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy (LCCRT) and timing of stoma reversal are risk factors for the development of severe bowel dysfunction. The potential for long-term poor functional results after LCCRT should be discussed with patients and form a part of the decision-making in individual treatment plans. The timing of the ileostomy closure, where safe and feasible, should be performed within 6months to improve outcome.

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS): cause and effect and reconstructive considerations

Between 25 and 80% of patients undergoing a low or very low anterior resection will suffer postoperatively, from a constellation of symptoms including fecal urgency, frequent bowel movements, bowel fragmentation and incontinence, collectively referred to as the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). The etiology of LARS is multifactorial with the potential of sphincter injury during anastomosis construction, alterations in anorectal physiology, the development of a pudendal neuropathy, and a lumbar plexopathy with exacerbation of symptoms if there is associated anastomotic sepsis or the use of adjuvant and neoadjuavnt therapies. The symptoms of LARS may be obviated in part by the construction of a neorectal reservoir which may take the form of a colonic J-pouch, a transverse coloplasty, or a side-to-end anastomosis. This review outlines the factors contributing to LARS symptomatology along with the short- and medium-term functional results of comparative trials with the different types of neorectal reconstructions.