Clinical outcomes and quality of life after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate clinical outcomes and quality of life in terms of anal, urinary, and sexual function, after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital, Switzerland.

SUBJECTS: 43 patients with low rectal cancers.

INTERVENTIONS: 27 were not given adjuvant radiotherapy and 16 had preoperative adjuvant radiotherapy 1.6 Gy twice daily for 13 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anal, urinary, and sexual function postoperatively.

RESULTS

23 patients reported normal defaecation (53%), 9 had incontinence of flatus (21%), 5 had occasional minor soiling (12%), 2 had frequent major soiling (5%), 4 had a total faecal incontinence (9%), and 3 had urinary incontinence (7%). Sexual dysfunction was reported by 9 of the 13 sexually active men and 2 of the 11 sexually active women.

CONCLUSION

Despite their reported faecal, urinary and sexual dysfunction most patients were satisfied with their quality of life. Counselling at the time of operation is highly recommended as a means of contributing to personal satisfaction.