biostudies-literatureLauwereins LFonds Wetenschappelijk OnderzoekC2-LIMPAC- KU Leuven220https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12546544biostudies-literatureUnknown40(1)<h4>Purpose</h4>This study investigated the evolution of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) over 2 years following Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) for rectal cancer.<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>Of 180 patients who underwent TME for rectal cancer,International journal of colorectal diseaseA 2-year prospective study on the evolution of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery.PMC12546544T000216NC2M23061Fieuws SCoeckelberghs EVan Molhem YDebrun LLauwereins LD'Hoore AAsnong ADe Groef ADevoogdt NGeraerts IWolthuis AVan Geluwe BBislenghi GfalseA 2-year prospective study on the evolution of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery.<h4>Purpose</h4>This study investigated the evolution of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) over 2 years following Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) for rectal cancer.<h4>Methods</h4>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.<h4>Results</h4>Of 180 patients who underwent TME for rectal cancer,2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Oct2026-06-04T16:20:19.734Z2026-05-13T14:24:30.413ZS-EPMC125465444112594910.1007/s00384-025-05009-2