Research on preventing low anterior resection syndrome following sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer through high-risk screening and pelvic floor biofeedback therapy.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of high-risk screening combined with pelvic floor biofeedback therapy in preventing low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) after sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS) for rectal cancer.

METHODS

Forty-three patients who underwent SPS for rectal cancer at Jiangxi Cancer Hospital from January to December 2022 were assigned to the standard care group and received standard care plus pelvic floor biofeedback therapy. Forty-nine patients treated from January to December 2023 were designated as the high-risk screening group and received high-risk screening for LARS in addition to the standard care group's treatment protocol. LARS scores and incidence rates at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, anorectal pressure values, quality of life scores at 3 and 9 months, and treatment adherence were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The high-risk screening group showed significantly lower LARS scores and incidence rates at all postoperative intervals compared to the standard care group. Additionally, the high-risk screening group demonstrated better anorectal pressure and quality of life scores and achieved higher treatment adherence, with statistically significant differences between groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk screening combined with targeted pelvic floor biofeedback therapy following SPS for rectal cancer can effectively prevent LARS and improve postoperative recovery quality.