A 2-year prospective study on the evolution of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This study investigated the evolution of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) over 2 years following Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) for rectal cancer.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, patients were recruited from three Belgian hospitals between January 2017 and January 2021. The primary outcome was the evolution of LARS, assessed with the LARS score at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively or after stoma closure. The proportion of patients in each LARS category (no, minor, major) was analyzed, and transitions over time were examined using Bowker's test of symmetry. The secondary outcome was health-related quality of life, measured using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) at the same time points.

Results

Of 180 patients who underwent TME for rectal cancer,

SUBMITTER: Lauwereins L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12546544 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature