Abstract
Outcomes for rectal cancer surgery have improved significantly over the past 20 years
with increasing rates of survival and recurrence, specifically local recurrence. These
gains have been realized during a period of time in which there has been an increasing
emphasis on sphincter preservation. As we have become increasingly aggressive in avoiding
resection of the anus, we have begun accepting bowel dysfunction as a normal outcome.
Low anterior resection syndrome, defined as a constellation of symptoms including
incontinence, frequency, urgency, or feelings of incomplete emptying, has a significant
impact on quality of life and results in many patients opting for a permanent colostomy
to avoid these symptoms. In this article, we will highlight the most recent clinical
and basic science research on this topic and discuss areas of future investigation.
Keywords
LAR syndrome - rectal cancer - low anterior resection